The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-11-30
friends lips quivered over the words.

or negro, or even common Spaniard. it
would not be so serious, but as far as [
can learn it was Costello, the popular
captain of the guard, and favorite of
the Governor"
"But | killed him in self defense"
"Yes, that is true. But you provoked
the quarrel by interfering and calling
him liar"
"He was" cried Harry warmly, land
he was robbing my friend"
"Your friend" said half sneeringly.
'have you seen him since you helped
him?"
NO." admitted Harry. Il have not.
He left soon after | commenced the
quarrel, taking most of the gold with
him."
"a nice friend" said /. At that mo
ment the guard, who had been in the
room with us, told me | must leave.
Reluctant to leave my friend in prison,
but seeing no alternative, shook hands
with him and, telling him l would do
all in my power to get him out of the
trouble. with heavy heart left him.
+ was at loss what to do. My first
impulse was to go to the Governor; but.
on second thought, bent my steps to
the home of my friend. Mr.. Crittington,
the American Consul at Havana. At
first he showed but little interest in my
story but soon his eyes flashed, and l
knew that l was not talking in vain.
When finished he exclaimed, ''They are
always up to some bad business. those
young officers; but" he continued. "this
is very serious. You know, | suppose,
the relation that Signor Costello bore to
the Governor?"
"Only that he was a much favored
captain"
"More than that" was the answer, "he
was to have married the Governors
daughter in few months" This was
indeed serious. There was little hope
now. A convicts death seemed with
certainty to await the young fellow
whose every prospect in life was SO
bright, so short time before.
ut is very bad, yet, will do all can
for your young friend. However, do not
put your hopes too high. for you know
His Excellency is naughty and revenge
full, and fear he will wish TO wreak his
anger on your friend without inquiripg
into the right or wrong of the question.
70 mo it,f T.
tell you the result of my interview, and
we will go and see Mr.. Wentworth"
left Mr. Crittiugton snone with but
little hope. How unfortunate that
Harry, of all others, should get into
such a scrape. Going to hotel, I took
a room where | spent a very troubled
night. Sleep was out of the question;
could only lie there and wait for morn
ing; and when it at last arrived l hast
ened as soon as it was admissible to
my friends house. When | was ushered
into his presence, l found with him an
other gentleman, whom had never be-
fore seen.
"This is the Honorable Mr.. Aason,
from Her Majesty's Court" said Mr..
Crittington, as he introduced us. I'VE
went together to lay your friends case
before the Governor yesterday after
noon.' "And the result?' exclaimed
His Excellency received us very
haughtily and told us in the stiffest
manner possible that the law must take
its own course; that he had no right to
interfere"
What is the laws course?" | asked.
He is to be shot within week, with
out trial."
Without trial." exclaimed.
"Yes." answered the British Ambassa-
dor, you know the Governors power is
absolute and he can use it in any way
he wishes; he evidently is afraid to give
your friend trial for fear of exposing
to the many English and Americans the
wickedness prevalent in the officers,
quarters. Gambling is bad enough
among the common soldiers, but, by the
officers it should not be allowed"
Then nothing can be done?"
Nothing that l know of now; al
though we will seek another interview
with His Excellency today"
Come gentlemen" broke in Mr.. Crit
tington, "let US go and see this unfortu-
nate young man."
Accordingly we all went to visit Harry,
whom we found in very downcast frame
of mind-a frame of mind which was not
frightened by our news.
"Must really be shot?" he asked.
"Unless we can do something for you.
it seems as though you must" said Mr..
Alason.
"But don't be down cast, my boy
was Me- Crittington's kind remark. 1T
was brave deed to help your friend and
you may be sure l will not let such
countryman die without hard fight for
his life."
Harry grasped one hand in gratitude.
while | clasped the other. He was
man of gruff speech, but kind heart, and
his promise was as good as gold. We
we're soon reminded by the guard that
it was time to leave.
That afternoon | returned TO my plan
tation, but promised Harry to return