The Irish standard., 1891-09-12
Enclosed space he wrote Li5ertas with a
1, beneath. Thus:

between the thumb and forehnger OF
his right hand he held it in the flames
of candle, which burned upon the
table, until it was consumed. then
dropped the charred remains into a
metal receptacle at his feet.
One followed another until each mem
Der of the little band had proved his
right to be present.
At the conclusion of this ceremony,
Don Manuel commenced to unfold
the object for which the assembly was
called together.
Friends, it has become apparent to
our leaders that the time has arrived to
strike another blow against the tyrant.
The people of Cuba are with us almost
to man; we have only to call them to-
gether and put arms in their hands, to
drive the usurping Spaniards from our
beloved land, back to their own coun-
try across the broad Atlantic. Our
enemy is strong in numbers, weapons
and wealth, but they fight as hirelings,
not as true patriots, who do battle for
their homes, their loved ones, and their
native soil. We have got to make a
bold stand and capture some OF the
larger sea-board cities where we shall
be recognized by other nations as an
independent republic. Our close rela'
tions11ip with the United States will,
we are sure, lead those iberty-loving
people to be the first to extend a hand
of eungra5ulation to us and perhaps
Of open assistance, as they have already
~ q
letter, borne by a trusty messenger,
which states that our agents in New
York have succeeded in dispatching a
steamer loaded with munitions of war
to our aid. She will proceed slowly
hither and it is expected five days hence
will be somewhere between the north
ern coast of our island and Salt Key
bank, where we must place a pilot on
board to conduct her secretly to some
place where she may be able to dis
charge her valuable cargo without de-
lection by the Spanish officials. If there
are any among you who will volunteer
to perform this service, let them step
forward and reveal their identity to me
and we will confer apart as to the re-
ception, concea1ment and subsequent
disbursement of the arms"
AS the don finished speaking at least
half-a-dozen men were upon their feet
and pressing forward, eager to render
the requested aid.
Each IN tuAa whispered his name in
Ceballos' a:s. and then returned TO his
seat, but before the last had resumed his
place and ere the chairman could con-
tinue. belated individual, with feat
ures concealed as the others, entered
and unostentatiously remained at the
back of the room.
His presence, however, was noted
only by the don who was about to bid
him welcome, when a second person
came into the apartment and walked
firmly up to the table. Catching the
eye Of the presiding officer, the new
conner said in voice that could be
heard by those present:
'sHave all here present made the sign
of our order, senor?"
'All, save yourself, and our friend
who preceded you but moment, and
who waits only for an opportunity to
do so.''
At this the latest arrival seized the
pen and quickly inscribed the symbol.
"Now, Don Manuel Geballos. request
him to do likewise" exclaimed the
patriot, pointing a finger at the in
dividual in question, vino it could now
be seen was greatly agitated, as every
eye in the room VIE fixed upon him.
"You hear. brotherp' said the gray
haired Cuban. ''You are challenged by
one of our number! Step boldly for
ward and show to Us Chat you have a
right to be present here"
The don had scarcely finished speak
ing when the man turned and sprang
towards the door, hut he had not taken
two steps before he found himself
locked in the firm embrace of two men,
two alone Of the entire party who, be-
side the don, were without masks,
'Valdes Haas and the patriotic mendi-
cant, Jose Calvo.
Lifting the intruder from his feet,
they hurried him through the room to
where Don Manuel was standing.
'tSenors! Behold the traitor!'' ex-
claimed francisco Ceballos, for it was
he who had first thrown down the