The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1891-09-09

z u ez4 sal5sa 3 ate tsFtos g
about to land on the shores Of Cuba or
we would not see him tonight" laugh
ingly exclaimed one Of group OF young
men who were louogins about the en-
trance Of the calahoose in the Plaza di
Ar1nas, Havana, early in the evening
few years since.
The company belonged to some organ.
Nation, it could readily be seen by their
uniformity Of dress, it being seersucker
coat, with short skirts, girted in at the
waist by belt from which were sus-
pended widebladad, Roman shaped
swords, and formidable revolvers.
The garments of some Of the number
were proiusely ornarented with gold
lace, showing their weerers to be
officers, and ali had upon their heads
the light Panama hats, whose broad
brims were caught up on the left side
BY red and black lesthern rosette.
~Perhaps'-sreSested companion
Of the first speaker, she has lost all his
ready money at billiards, and feels too
poor to employ substitute to do his
monthly police duty"
''Francisco is an ardent lover Of the
enc, but he docs not play to lose, re-
piled the other. "And if he were short
of funds, he vould only have to make
his condition known to the old don to
have his pockets we'll lined with golden
pieces. No, no, it IS not to the lack OF
money that we are indebted for the
honor OF Scnor Ceballos' company to-
night On our watch" Then in a louder
voice:
How, now. friend Francisco, ]
thought you had registered an oath
with your patron saint never again to
put on uniform and do guard duty,
What has happened to cause you to
change your mind?"
''The desire for little EXERCISE may
be, Seror Haas" replied the new.
conner, seating himself upon u bench in
the most iDdolent manner. and lazlly
inhaling the fragrant smoke Of cigar
ette that he held between his lips
t.Felipe Coras. here" said the young
man, mischievously, was under the
impression that you were o trife short
Of money and could not engage your
usual substitute"
.sIf were I should not call upon him
70 supply the deficiency. quickly re-
torted Francisco, with some spirit, dart
ing Oh angry look at the individual in
question.
..Valdes Haas Is mistaken, senior,
# he thought for en instant that I
meant to convey tho impression that It
were possible for you to be embar-
rassed financially answered Coras, in
servile manner.
:"Oh, It matters not returned the
young Cuban, as he raised his hat and
wiped his brow upon delicately per-
funed silk handkerchief. But who
has charge Of onr watch tonight, Val
des?' he continued, turning to his friend
Haas.
'.Senor Gtczala, I believe, was to
have been in command, but we have
lust received word that it will be i'm
possible for him to serve, so, as you are
next in rank, the duty will probably de-
volre upon you, unless the powers that
be see it to send an officer from the
reguliers to show the Cuban citizen po-
lice how to perform their compulsory
AID degrading work" The latter part
OF this remark. was spoken in q low
tone, but with considerable bitterness.
"a loyal subject Of the crown OF
Spain should consider no duty that he
can perform for the good of the govern
ment, as degrading" haughtily ex-
claimed Felipe Cor.s, bending search
ing look upon his outspoken conpan-
ion.
s.I am glad you arc Of that opinion,
sensr, for the task will consequently be
less ropugnant to you, ssrcastically re-
marked young Ceballos.
THAT I have never attempted tc
shir.1 my duty is proof sufficient that I
am loyal subject, at least, which is
more than can be said Of some with
whom I have the honor to be associ-
ated.' angrily retorted Coras, as he
turned upon his heel and strobe into the
guard room.
AS the disgruntled officer left the
group, those who remained looked at
each other inquiringly, and several Won
dered what was meant by the significant
retort.
Ceballos and Haas paid no attention
to thu comments Of their companions,
but rose from the bench on which they
mad been sitting, and with an:
''Adios, senors, we will return soon,"
started out into the plaza, and when
they were again alone began an earnest
conversation, tho ugh it was carried on
in whispers.
"What is it, Francisco, that IS troub-
ling you? Fear not to make a confdant
OF me-"
''Nor DO I, for you are my dearest
friend, and by the repeated inquiries as
to your welfare by my fair sister 1sadel
predict that some day Valdes Hazas
will bear closer relationship. But to
this business. 1t is secret, however,
and one that is 6earer than life to every
true Cuban
''Ah! sec. Our leaders are prepared
ia make another move Cor liberty"