The Forrest City times., 1895-11-29
Very well; you may retire, ser

geant."
Antonio locked the door after him.
and in low tone briefly related to
hoberto the plan he had formulated
for the latter's escape.
Each prisoner will receive three
shots. by dint of extensive bribery
and the cooperation of a surgeon, a Sc
cret friend of the Cuban cause, | have
arranged that three blank cartridges
shall be fired at you. You must be
careful to simulate death as much as
possible until the word 'Amalia' is
whispered in your ear Then you may
breathe freely and open your eyes, for
you will be temporarily safe. Further
details will then have been arranged
and told you. The least indiscretion
on your part, the least bungling on
that of those l have employed, though
only two are III the secret, will ruin me
as we'll as seal your faJe."
Roberto thanked him feryently, and
promised him implicit obedience.
You must not return to your COM
rades."
Poor fellows!" muttered Roberto.
1.-The light of hope is shining in your
eyes, and might betray us. Look as
downcast as when you entered, if pos
sible. AT any rate do not let the guard
have direct look at you. Enter, ser
geant," he said, as he entered the door,
and conduct this prisoner to a soli-
tary cell. He must have no communi-
cation with the other tilibusters."
grooming deeply, murmured:
"Oh, my love, what sacrificed"
Ill.
The courtyard of the castle was
thronged with soldiery as Crittenden
and his unfortunate band were marched
TO the death-place just as day was
breaking over the beautiful bay, Sur
rounded by hostile soldiers, they still
maintained defiant air, even w hen the
glittering line of bayonets faced them,
"kneel, tlibusteros!"
Ike command was not obeyed. Crit
.enden proudly refused, in the words
that have passed into history: a
"A kentuckian kneels to none but
God!"
A struggle ensued, in which some
were forced to their knees; perhaps all
might have been, had not the officer in
charge, with a touch of humanity, be-
gun giving the orders.
AT the word "Fire!" so deadly was the
volley that few survived it, and they
but u few moments. Roberto, happily,
had no need to simulate death. The
shock and strain of the suspense had
caused him to faint, and the surgeon,
who hastened to his side, gave deep
sight of relief as he perceived Roberto's
IIgid unconsciousness.
Carry this body, and this, and this"
pointing to several-''to the hospital"
III they are not dead now they will
soon be under his knife" laughed one
CT the assistants. say
When Roberto revived he found him.
self in a carefully darkened room. With
Joy he heard the word "Amalia," in
friendly voice. In a day or two after
ward, according to Antonio's previous
ly concerted arrangements, he was
smuggled, in the disguise of a water
man, TO an American ship in the harbor
and concealed in the hold all night.
The next day he thanked God and his
devoted cousin as he inhaled, with a
glad sense of freedom, the soft winds of
The Mexico sea. He never returned
to Cuba, though his future life was
replete with stirring adventure.
The gay capital of Cuba was quite
electrified a month later to learn of the
resignation from the army of Capt.
Antonio. and his marriage Immediately
after, in spite OF opposition of the part
of her family, to the supremely beauti-
full Senorita Amalia de Valdez.-N. ..
Times Democrat.