Smyrna times., 1896-09-02
A RACE FOR FREE CUBA.


The noon sun flooded the hacienda
with its radiance. Peace dwelt under
the tall palms, and along the cool ver-
andas. No one was stirring among
the fields of sugar cane. The green
jalOusies of the long, low dwelling
house were closed, presumably that
the inmates might enjoy their after
noon siesta. Had one searched
through all the fair island of Cuba it
would have been hard to find more
perfect picture of calm beauty than
that presented by the plantation of the
Sonora d Arroyo.
But one must not Judge from the
surface in troublesome Cuba. Despite
its appearance of peaceful rest, the old
house held many an anxious heart.
In order to visit his widowed mother,
the young Julio d'Arroyo had obtained
leave of absence from the Insurgent
army, with which he had cast his lot at
the outbreak of the rebellion. Passing,
after dangers innumerable, through
the Spanish lines, he had managed to
reach the home of his boyhOod, and to
clasp his mother to his breast. But
any moment spies might carry the
news of his return to the Spanish Gen
eral for Julio d Arroyo, by reason of
his ancient descent and great personal
bravery, was already a marked man.
So, while the elder brother spent a
few brief hours of happiness in the
darkened rooms below stairs, the
yOunger-a mere boy not yet emanci-
pated from schOol-kept watch in COM
pany with cOlOred servant overhead.
Jose d'ArroyO was all eagerness to be
up and doing in the cause of his be-
loved Cuba; but neither his mother
nor his elder brother would allow an
urchin barely in his teens to go forth
to war.
Time enough, jose" Julio would
say, ''when they have killed me, for
you to think of fighting"
In keeping watch over his brother,
Jose felt that he was at least able to
help the patriotic cause to some ex-
tent. He would have dearly liked to
sit below, listening to the thrilling
adventures of Julio; but duty was
above all-and duty kept him, with a
field glass and old Manuel, on guard
in the lookout room.
Jose was sweeping the southern
horizon, when a cry from Manuel
caused him to turn westward. Through
the waving forest of palms, he could
dimly discover moving figures. Who
could they be--friends or foes? In
either case Julio must be alarmed, and
Manuel was dispatched downstairs
upon this errand. The elder brother
soon stood in the lookout examining
the approaching body of men. For q
few moments he did not speak, and
then an exclamation of rage escaped
his lips.
'"The Spaniards!" he cried. "They
are upon me-a whole regiment, al
least. must fy!"
Heroic Sonora d'Arroyo threw hel
arms about her sons neck, embraced
him once, and then, hastily placing his
sombrero upon his head, bad him be.
gone. But just as Julio reached the
veranda servant, covered with dust,
rushed through the palms.
''Senor Julio" he exclaimed, "you
are lostl The spies have found you
out, and the plantation is surrounded.
To attempt to escape by fight is to GO
to certain death!''
Quickly Julio questioned the man,
and found that his news was all toe
true. He had been caught like raj
in trap, and, foot by foot, the ring OF
avenging Spaniards was closing around
him.
Julio d'Arroyo paused for a mo.
ment to consider. His mother,
still in the lookout room, had moi
heard the scouts intelligence. Only
Jose, his little brother, who stood be-
side him, shared the knowledge oi
disaster. 1t took but brief space fol
him to make up his mind. Then he
turned to Jose and in clear, manly
voice, bade him farewell.
''There is no possible escape" he
said, 'fbut they shall not capture me
alive. will sell my life dearly, at
our father did before us. You know
the old sugar storehouse near the
gates?"
Jose nodded.
every we'll. will shut myself in
there, and trust to heaven. Wher
they come to take me I shall meet then
with revolver and machete. In th,
doorway can hold them at bay for .
good hour or more. It will be brave
death for Cuba's liberty. Adios, littl,
brother mine, be good to mother and
tell her nothing till Gil is over"
Then Julio was gone, machete il
hand, and Jose stood with the friendly
scout in the veranda. There wer,
bitter tears in his eyes, but he brushe,
them away as he heard old Manuel
step approaching. A great idea ha,
I 49,. -. Il