Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1895-10-23


every second be confronted by Curtin
that was strangely surprised when
saw no sign Of the gentleman. In less
time than it takes to tell it was down
into an open hallway and then into
room. I and Mum, who were smooth
faced, were given bushy whiskers and
cloak. In the meantime paid an agent
in waiting $4,000 in French and Span.
ish notes. Then we hurried out of the
rear into q cab and were driven to the
station, arriving just in time to catch
the 10 80 train.
The cab ride and train ride that night
were happy rides. l had been captive
and now was free. The sights and sounds
all around me took on deeper purpose
and a more significant meaning than
they had ever borne before.
l struck the road leading to the beach
and marched westward, but it was an un.
known land, and was in constant fear
of running against some military post
or patrol, being thus constantly delayed
by long halts to watch some suspicious
object or by making long detours to
avoid them. Once had fright Two
men on horseback riding on the sandy
road were almost on me before saw or
heard them, and only had time to sink
into the shadow as they passed almost
within reach Of my hand. Both were
smoking the everlasting cigarette and
were engaged in earnest talk Daylight
came and found me not more than eight
or ten miles farther on my journey, but
l was very well content as pitched my
camp for the day. had royal feast.
then, after cigar, lay down to sleep in
another fairy bower and slept until noon
and awoke to find myself wondering
how matters were going with Captain
Curtin in Havana, rather amused over
the state of chagrin l knew he must be
in. l thought Of a possible future meet.
ing some years ahead when, all danger
over, l would see and chaff him over
the bottle of Cliquot and the $50, 600 he
wouldn't have, and how went all the
same and saved the money.
realized must be frugal or my pro-
visions would never hold out, so after
light lunch l began to make my way
slowly to the beach through the tangled
maze of trees and vines Coming in
sight of the blue waters, lay down to
sleep again and awoke when the stars
were out. The moon would not 90 down
till late, but as there was deep, broad
shadow cast walked in it.
Good food and the long day Of rest
restored my strength. All my confidence
returned, and I made good progress.
At last the moon went down, and then
pressed rapidly forward, always with
revolver in hand ready for instant ac
tion. l think 1 made fully % miles this
night, but as the coast was indented my
progress in straight direction was not
more than half that distance. Just as it
began to grow gray in the east came
out on wide inlet. 1t ran deep into the
land. I recognized it from my map as
Puerto del Cato, and then I knew / was
in the province Of Pinar del Rio and
almost out Of danger.
went into the bush again and pitch
ed camp, waiting for daylight to come
and reveal my surroundings Pitching
camp consisted in scraping few leaves
together and lying down, but this morn
ing was too excited to sleep | felt
that was near my goal after having
safely gone through many dangers
Once across the Puerto del Cato two
nights Of travel would place me outside
of the farthest Spanish pickets and bring
me among friends, far beyond chance of
pursuit, and also knew that the mere
knowledge Of my presence in the rebel
camp would cause all thought of pursuit
to be dropped.
When daylight came, I stood and
looked around. Across the inlet, "
miles away, could see only dark masses
of green with no sign Of life To the
north the land was hilly, with houses
here and there in the distance and signs
of animal life / cautiously searched the
shore for a mile in the hope Of finding
boat to cross to the other shore OF the
lulSU, DlG LULU Wco Ill olBllu
About o'clock 1 saw smoke off at
sea, and soon I made out small Span.
ish gunboat coming rapidly up. Drop
ping anchor about mile up the inlet,
she sent O boat ashore. l was feeling
sleepy, and going into the woods again
I took light lunch, and emptying one
bottle Of water lay down to sleep, re-
solved to make my plans when I awoke
did not like the appearance Of this
gunboat. It seemed to promise the pres
ence Of the enemy in force around me,
besides being a visible manifestation of
the power Of that enemy.
When 1 awoke from my nap, started
on a cautious spying out Of the land,
making my way toward the head of the
inlet, but keeping always under the pro-
lection Of the woods. While going eau.
tiously along I was startled by the notes
of a bugle ringing out some military
call not far away, and moment later
the gunboat replied with a gun, then
steamed out to sea- Continuing my
progress through the woods, came to
the road, and hiding securely in q
thicket where I could see unseen |
watched. Soon I heard the sound of
voices, and then detail of armed men
passed, going leisurely east, escorting
an empty wagon drawn by four mules
It meant much, these armed escorts,
showing they were in the face of the
enemy. Several others passed during
the hour of my watch; then, with many
cautious glances up and down the road
slipped quietly across and crept for
two hours through the jungle. Making
my way TO the side of the bay, I saw
had left the military post behind me.