The Forrest City times., 1895-11-29
FORREST CITY ARK, FRIDAY AFTERNOON NOVEMBER % 1895

himself near her, while the duenna,
her gentle Tia Maria, retired to a dis
tant corner and, opening prayer book,
was soon entirely Ito all appearances,
at least) absorbed in it's perusal.
"Tell me, my SOUL" said he, why are
you so melancholy?"
sigh was the only response.
"Ah, yes! l know your tender heart
aches for the prisoners you must have
seen to-day. Poor fellowsl Theirs
is terrible fate. But, tell me, what
is it you wished to ask me? Can there
be wish of yours | would not CRAFTY
at the risk of my life, if need be?
have your precious billet safe here"
and lie pointed to his heart. You have
but to comniand and | will obey"
tia mia, said Amalia, turning to her
aunt, Il have mislaid my pearl bracelet
upstairs. Will you kindly look for it 2"
The duenna vanished as if she had
expected the request. On the instant
Amala said TO him:
You have often sworn that you love
me to distraction, is it not SO, An
tonito?"
What happiness it was for him to
hear from her lips the diminutive Ito"
added to his name, which. in itself, is
& caress in words.
My life, with all my heart and soul,'
he exclaimed, seeking to embrace her.
But she drew back.
No, give myself only to him who
proves his love-
What can l do for you, beloved !?
Dispose of me as you will for life"
lit is life ask. Sit here beside me,
dearest, and l will tell YOU"
She then related the scene of the
morning, her discovery that Roberto,
who had passed the previous winter
in Havana with the family, was now
among the prisoners.
He is the son of my favorite aunt
so young, barely 16. He came here
to perfect himself in Spanish, and
inspired him with my own enthusiasm
for the Cuban cause. He has returned,
alas. to die, unless you will save him
for my sake. Should he perish, l can
never know another happy moment"
Antoine grew pale as he listened
v
at your command willingly, but in this,
even were it possible, my honor is in
volved. l cannot betray the flag
serve"
Even when it sanctions butchery,"
she exclaimed, passionately. Go! If
Roberto dies, l will never see your face
again-cold, cruel, SO you are"
"Amalita, you cannot break my heart
thus. Ask me anything else"
You are prodigal of words, senor,"
she began, scornfully, but with rapid
change of manner and tone rose and
threw her arms round his neck.
"Antonito moi! / love you," she
sobbed. For you | would give up
home, relatives, country. Grant me
this one favor. Save that poor child,
and swear to become your wife in an
other month. You have said that if
would marry you you would resign
your hateful commission in the army
and seek home in Mexico. will fol-
low you there and to the end of the
earth.'
The last words were sobbed on his
fiercely-beating heart, as he tenderly
embraced her with anguished look that
all his rapture could not disguise.
You have won," he said, after a
pause. For you will dare anything
They will die day after tomorrow.
have but short time, and now must
leave you, dearest. If l fail, you will
forgive me, will you not? or l will not
survi . my disgrace"
"G , will succeed, beloved. 1t is a
righ1 eous act. They will have enough
victims. You shall never repent your
sacrifice"
He smiled sadly.
"Ah. if this had only happened after
my resignation"