Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1895-12-18

Roberto lay on pallet beside two
other comrades, who, in the midst of
their own misery, tried to cheer and
fortify the boy, exhorting him to meet
manfully doom which they felt was
even more terrible for him than for
them. .E[e had been one of the most
enthusiastic volunteers had fought
well, but now the near prospect of
death seemed to make coward OF
him.
A soldier who spoke little English
entered the cell at this moment and
roughly bade him rise and follow to
the Captains room. Roberto rose
tremblingly.
Courage, my boy" said middle
aged man, 'sperhaps it is gool news
for you. If not, beware lest he
wiring from you word about Lopez's
plans"
Never fear" he replied, making an
effort to control his agitation. 81 hate
to die"-here he gulped down sob
,ssthis way, but Iii not be traitor
Goodby,"
The guard interrupted further
speech by pushing him into the corri-
dor with his musket.
"EEere is the prisoner, Captain"
every we'll; you may retire, Ser
geant."
Antonio locked the door after him,
and, in low tone, briefly related to
Roberto the plan he had formulated
for the latter's escape.
"Fiach prisoner will receive three
shots. By dint of extensive bribery
and the cooperation of surgeon, a
secret friend of the Cuban cause. /
have arranged that three blank car
tridges shall be fired at you. You
must be careful to simulate death as
far as possible until the word 'Amalia'
is whispered in your ear. Then you
may breathe freely and open your
eyes, for you will he temporarily safe.
Further details will then have been
arranged and told you. The least
iudiscretion on your part, the least
bungliug on that OF those I have en-
ployed, though only two are in the
secret, will ruin me as we'll as seal
your fate"
Roberto thanked him fervently, and
promised him implicit obedience.
"You must not return to your com.
rades."
"Poor fellows !" muttered Roberto.
"rhe light of hope is shining in
your eyes, and might betray US. Look
as downcast as when you entered, if
possible. At any rate, do not let the
guard have direct look at you. En-
ter, Sergeant" he said, as he entered
the door, sand conduct this prisoner
to solitary cell. He must have no
communication with the other filibus-
ters."
Tbeypassed out, and Antonio, groan-
ing deeply, murmured:
"Oh, my love, what sscrifce!"
The courtyard of the castle wss
thronged with soldiery as Crittenden
and his unfortunate band were
marched to their death place, just as
day was breaking over the beautiful
bay. Surrounded by hostile soldiers,
they still maintained defiant air,
even when the glittering line OF bay
onets faced them, and they knew all
hope was over.
"Kneel, fibusteros!"
The command was not obeyed.
Crittenden proudly refused, in the
words that have passed into history:
ga Kentuckian kueels to none but
Godi"
A struggle ensued, in which some
were forced to their knees; perhaps
all might have Eeen, had not the Off
Ger in charge, with touch of human
ity, begun giving the orders.
At the word "Fire!" so deadly was
the ,volley that few survived it, aud
they but 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 sigh of relief as he per-
ceiyed Roberto's rigid unconscious.
ness.
"Carry this body, and this, and
this, pointing to several-"to the
hospital"
iIf they are not dead now they will
soon be under his knife, laughed one
of the assistants.
When Roberto revived he found
himself in carefully darkened room.
With Joy he heard the word "Amalia, :"
in friendly voice. In day or two
afRsrward. according to Antonio's
previously concerted arrangements,
he was smuggled, in the disguise Of
Waterman, TO an American ship in
| the harbor and concealed III the hold
all night The next day he thanked