The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-11-30

news to him." continu ed Mr.. Alason.
"We have another plan of which l can't
tell you for fear it fails as the others
have DONE"
Although my curiosity was aroused,
l left without question, and went on
to the prison, very much dreading the
duty had to perform. I found Harry
already downcast from his interview of
the day before and broke the news to
him as easily as possible. We had long
talk in which promised to perform any
last service which he might ask.
Never did three days go so rapidly.
Never did Saturday come so unwel-
coined. went to the prison at day
break and remained with Harry all
through the long morning. We had
our last long talk, in which he gave me
a letter addressed to his mother. At
last the great clock struck twelve-the
hour of execution. The four soldiers
who composed the death watch, Harry
and myself, marched through the streets
to the place where the convicts were ex-
ecuted and buried. Beside a grave
newly made lay an open coffin. A large
crowd of Spaniards, Creoles and negroeey
who had been attracted to the place,
were watching the whole scene with Gu
rious eyes. Harry stood beside the
grave, pale, but firm to the last.
AS we stood there, listening to the
laughs and jeers of the crowd, the faint
beat of the drum was heard far off. l
knew it came from the old Fort Cubana.
Harry heard it also, for his hands
twitched nervously. The drum sounded
louder and louder as it advanced, and
soon company of the guard came
marching up and took their places, some
twenty or thirty yards from the pris-
oner. AS l stood there watching the
soldiers, a smothered exclamation from
the crowd made me look up. Down the
road horse and rider were seen ap-
preaching US. 1t was the Governor.
My heart leaped. Was he going to par
don Harry? No, that was evidently not
his purpose. He rode, and took his place
by the side of the captain.
Which of the two men is her" he
asked, in his naughty manner. as he
glanced over to where we were stand
ing.
"The one on the left, your Excellen-
cy," was the reply.
"Who is the other?"
"The friend he came to visit"
With harsh laugh, the Governor
said, do your work."
The captain then stepped forward
turned Harry toward the soldiers, and
with piece of chalk marked his heart;
as he did this he said to me, "Signor had
better stand with the crowd" I took
the hint. and stepped back.
AS stood watching the final prepara-
tions, some one touched me on the shoul-
der saying, "Let me stand there please"
and turning saw Mr.. Alason. Moving
to give him room. noticed that he car
ried in his hand an English flag. While
wondering as to it's meaning, heard the
captain say, LOAD! ready all !! aim." In
voluntarily l closed my eyes and turned
my head that might not see my friends
last death struggle.
waited for the final signal, but it did
not come. A minute or more passed in
deathlike stiffness. Then a great cry
arose from the people. Opening my eyes
quickly. looked toward the place where
my friend was standing. He was COM
pletely wrapped in his native flag, the
stars and stripes. while Mr.. Alason was
winding the gay colors of the English
around him. AS he did this Mr.. Crit
tington turned to the naughty captain
general and said, Fire on that if you
dare! Fire on the English and American
fags!"
The Governor grew pale with anger at
this unexpected interference. But fire
on the flags he dared not. Swinging
himself quickly from the saddle, he was
upon the three men-Harry, Mr.. Crit
tington and Mr.. Alason, in an instant.
Remove those fags!" he cried in his
tempestuous way, "quick. remove the
fagsW I'VE will not!" was the firm an
swer, which simultaneously came from
both consuls, "unless you give this man
a fair trial" Then I will" shouted
the Governor. making an angry move
ment toward Harry.
In an instant Mr.. Alason stood before
him. Don't touch those flags" he
cried.
The Governor drew his sword, and
poised it preparatory to thrust, "Out
of my road" he cried, "or I'll NOW you
down like grass"
But in another instant he was looking
into the muzzle of six shooter and Mr..
Alason was saying in clear voice, RE
member it is the English and American
governments you threaten. Those flags
will not be removed until you withdraw
your soldiers and accord this man an
honest trial"
For at least ten minutes the Governor
stormed like a mad man, but the law of
nations behind the calm officials kept |
even his law,essness in check, and at
last he ordered the captain to withdraw
the troops. Then mounting his iron |
gray steed he turned to the am hassadors