The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1896-10-01
: SGn0r~ Vnhfmtln0.

6Oth camc TO dead stop, but tho
quickwittcd Valentino was equal tc
the emergency. The carabinero who
had SO suddenly changed the tide OF
cr a dozen feet to the right
We are friends, Senor."
"Givc the cOuntersign."
"That We cannot do; but we must
see the general tonight, as we have
important Information. Here is per-
nit that has passed us thus far-scc
for yourself, that it is not u fraud" and
the Cuban held out the letter.
Taken of his guard by the apparent
frankness OF the man before him, tho
unsuspccting carabincro allowed the
butt OF his rifle to fail to the ground.
and stretched forth his hand for the
paper
There was bright flash OF steel as
it passed swiftly through the air.
"Thc night has its Victims" muttcr-
ed Valentino as he wiped OF and
shcathcd his blade. "'ris some poor
mothers son, hardly beyond the limits
of boyhood yet, and still it had to be
DONE
"And q mastery stroke that did it
right to the heart. senior, without
doubt
Gomez
The captain could say no more;
| tears were in his eyes, and he wished
that the hcllieh work were undOnc.
He could hardly suppress sob a3 he
| thought OF the aged mother on the
other side CT the sea, waiting and pray
ing for Il son that wOud never return.
Oh. the anguish Of that momeht
Suddenly he halted, for ahead Of
] Ii, i,
which he was searching. Pedro re-
manned 4 fcw steps behind TO guarl
against surprise, and alone the brave
rebel captain crcpt up to the canvas
Hap.
There WAS light inside he peered
in. There upon Il bundle OF blankets,
with hands and feet securely bound
lay-not Il muu, but the form Of Il
beautiful girl.
For Il moment he could hardly bclicvc
"Nh ~
Like Il flash OF lightning the truth
dawncd over him; he had solved the
Scnorita ~ no called, softly.
There WAS Il stir among tho blank cts
'tnu pale, sweet face, with soft, dark
curIS clInging about it like q veil, was
raised from It's hard pillow.
~ friend to aid you: one who has
your welfare at heart"
The girl raised herself still higher
but not " sound escaped her lips. 1t
WAS not necessary, the soft eyes alone
told the story.
Softly Valentino crossed to the pallet
swiftly he severed tho cords that
bound her tender limbs-and swiftly
he caught her lovely form in his arms
and dashed into tho open air.
IL was all over in IL minute, for the
Cuban had thrown caution TO the winds
his only thought-his only purpose was
to convey his precious charge to IL place
OF safety. Alas ! that his haste WAS tt
prove SO fatal.
Arto Who goes thcro?"
The sharp rattlc Of Il carbinc rang
out on the still night air, and tho camI
was awake.
"COurage, Sonorita, We will pas.
them yet. Pedro. Ho, Pedro :"
Hero, SunOr. Hasten, the horse.
arc in the hollow just beyond the hill
1t was race for life and the patriot,
won. Hardly were they mounted anl
of before II dozen or moro carabincro
rushed into tho hollow.
"Cnballo Caballo ~ they cried, ant
discharged their weapons.
Can you hold your seat, Scnorita p
the captain asked as he rode up beside
her.
"With easc," she answered bravcly
smiling family through tho gloom.
They are on horses and in pursuit
SenOr. | fCar we are lost ~ interrupt
cd Pedro.
"Why SO, cOmradc ?"
Because, I-I-Valentino, tho girl
horse is dying !"
The Captain lurched in his saddle a
though struck by a blow. For the frs
time he noticed the spasmOdic leaps o
the maiden's steed, and tho gradua
tagging Of its pace.
Still on they sped iive-tcn-tiftcel
minutes. and they began to enter tn,
hills. Tho wounded horse was fus
losing strength, but still tho nobl,
animal plunged on till it's heart burst
and with an agonizipg groan it stun
blcd and fell dead.
In u moment Valentino had the CIR
on his own mount, and was dashlns
away in pursuit Of Pedro.
"Courage, Senorita" he murmurct
softly, and pressed her closer to hi
breast, nesting his face among he
beautiful waving curls.
That fatal bullet zippcd close to tn
Captains head, and was instantly fol
lowed by AZ heavy fall.
Comarada, are you hurt ,"
No answer.
Dead :"
That one solemn word was uttcrr,
with IL pnthos that BODIED i'll for tn
perpetrators Of tho decd
"Oh, ye hellish das;ards, yc tramp
lcrs Of human rights, may your ilcsl
rot and your bones decay in ever,
hidden swamp and recess Of Cuba, an,
may the power Of dcspotic Spuil
sink beneath the pillows OF the sea
carrying with IL every vcstigo of tn,
accurscd nation. Dios. Oh, Pedro
nv comrade-my friond."
| The carabinerOs were close upon tn
| fugitives now, and with u last look a
| his beloved cOmrade the captain strucl
his spurs deep in his horses flank an,
sped eastward.
Courage, Sonorita. courage" n
whispered over and over again
There yet romans one final resort i
all other fail. will save you-hay,
YOU faith in mo?"
| And in answer tho riri wou11 l;ft bn