The morning times., 1896-04-19
Story Sc ;,
OF Cuba
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Vi CuDd III WOuiu nave udTu
TO find more perfect picture OF calm
beauty than thatpresentedb by the plantation
of the Sonora d'Arroyo.
But one must not judge from the surface,
In troubuious Cuba. Despite its appcara uce
of peaceful rest, the old house held many
an anxious. heart.
In order to Visit his widowed mot her, the
young julio d'Arroyo had obtained leave
OF absence from the iusurgent army with
wEiCn Lc Iaa cast iils lot at The outbreak or
the rebellion. Passing, after dangers in
Vulnerable, through the Spanish lines, he
had managed to reach the home of his boy
hood and 10 clasp his mother to his breast
But at any moment spies mi ght carry the
news OF his return to the Spanish general
tfor julio IL Arroyo, by reason OF his ancient
descent and great personal bravery, was
already marked man. So while the elder
brother spent few BRIEF hours OF happi-
ness III the darkened rooms beIow stars,
the younger-a mere boy, not yet eInan-
cipated from school-kept watch in cCm-
pany with negro servant overhead. Jose
dArroyo was all eagerDess to he up aud
doing IN the cause OF his beloved Cuba; but
neither his mother nor his elder brother
would allow an urchin barely in his teens
to go forth to war.
''Iime enough, jose Julio would say,
think OF fighting
In keeping watch over his brother Jose
felt that he was at least able to help tie
patriot cause TO some extent 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 field glass and old Ma uuel, the ne
gro, on guard III the lockout room.
Sometimes the oldne gro seyeS are quicker
hnn tilAh has oil er wa cyr
ing 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
dispatched downstairs upon this errand.
The elder brother soon stood in the look
out examining the approaching body OF
men. For few moments he did not speak,
and then an exclamation OF rage escaped
his lips:
The Spaniardst' he cried They are
uDon me-a whole regime Mt atleast. Imust
fly"
Heroic Sonora d'Arroyo threw her arms
about her sons neck, embraced him once,
and then hastily placing his sombrero upon
his head, bade him begone. But just as
Julio reached the rear veranda servant,
covered with dust, rushed through the
palms.
''Senor Julio" he exclaimed, "you are
losti The spies have found you out, aud the
plantation is surrounded. To attempt TO
escape by flight is to go to certain deathH'
Quickly Julio d'Arroyo questioned the
man, and found that his news was all too
true. He had been caught like rat in
trap, and. foot by foot, the ring of avengng
Spaniards was closing around him.
Julio d'Arroyo paused for moment to
consider. His mother, still in the lookout
room, had not heard the scouts intelligence.
Only Jose, his little brother. who stood
beside him, shared the knowledge OF disaster.
/ took but brief space for him to make up
his mind. Then he turned TO Jose, and, IN a
clear manly voice. bade him farewell.
There is no possible escape" he said;
.'but they shall not capture me alive.
will sell my life dearly, our father did
before US. You know the old sugar store
house, near the gates?'
Jose nodded.
VERY well. l will shut myself in there
and trust to heaven. When they come TO
take me l shall meet them with revolver
and machete. In the doorway | can hold
them at bay for a good hour or more. II
will be brave death for Cuba libre. Adios,
little brother mine. BE good to the mother,
and tell her nothing till all is over"
III.
anu Jose stood with the friendly scout on
the ycraIita. There were bitter tears IN
his eyes. but he brushed them away as he
heard old Manuers step approaching. A
great idea had been born within his SOUL
There was achance for him atlast-a chance
to show his mettle and do deed or herolsm
for the cause.
Manuel Juan -Manrlr' he cried, the
spirit or very manhood flashing from his
Julio2'
The two servants answered ca gerly in tie
affirmative.
.Buenoi' said Jose. "Then bring me his
horse from the stable; ana you, Manuel. help
him. Not word to the sonora, my mother
Quick! For God's sake, lie uIck!'
They would have demonstrated, but he
hurried them forth upon their several
missions Then, fastening to the lookout
room. he persuaded his mother 10 lrscend
IAN viii be well,'' he said. Julio viii
escape
You are sure, my son?'
Yes mother, quite sure. You must
not be found in the lookout. What would
the Spaniards say il they found you ON the
watch?''
THAT is true. Which way has Julio
gomez
He will go by the cane brake to the
sea. Our little boat is in AnGros' cove.
He can coast out of harms way
The Sonora d'Arroyo seated herself in
the cool reception room, behind Tie ia
louses, ready 10 receive the expected
Spaniards. Then Jose stole out to the
rear veranda. Juan-Marta was there with
Julios black horse ready saddied, ana oid
Manuel with great, staring eyes, stand
ing breathless by.
..Now. Juan-Maria' he said, still with
that masterful tone so astonishing from the
lips of boy, go down to the DID sugar
house near the gates. Tell the Senor JUNO
that all is safe, and tell him to fly through
the cane brake to the cove at Andros,
where our boat is waiting"
And where do you go, senor?
"I?' said Jose, vaulting into the Dack
horses saddle and urging him onward
ere the servants could grasp the bride,
Il 60 to fight for Cuba libre."
In an instant he was gone; and they
heard the Quick ''thud-thud'' OF the black
steeds hoofs on the sun-baked turf.
What was the daring project which
had occurred TO Jose? Simply this: He
hoped, by personating his brother, 10
attract the Spaniards in pursuit or nlnl-
self, and thus give Julio chance 10 es-
cane and strike another blow FOR the
patriots. Well he knew the risk he III
yolyed: but the blood Of heroes ran IN
his veins and not for u moment was ne
daunted. straight across the sugar field
ne went-the black horse, rested ana
well fed, racing gallantly. Into the oelt
of Mains beyond the plantation they
plunged, and then, for the 1irst uIne Jose
drew rein, and continued more slowly.
His object was not to pierce through
the Spanish lines, for that would be I'M
possible, but rather to draw away from
The side toward the sea the soiaiers
posted in that direction. If he couid IN
Once them to pursue him, the coast
would he clear for Julio, 10 the cove Oh
AndrOs! ,.o>ioo
alto! Quieu vivef' sehGhel W. nc
- -, frorn nm0np the palms on the