The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1896-01-14

smiled derlsiyely at
the insulting epithets and grimaces
which the lower classes heaped upon
them, especially in the vicinity OF any
officers residence. The better class
of the Havanese showed their svmpa.
thy IN striking contrast to the ieers
and gibes Of the baser sorG-She men
by their suilen, indignant looks; the
women by frequent sobs and tears and
smothered ordinations of clos des-
graciados!' ''Que lastime - "Dios
los ayuGe!"
The time was 1851, directly after
the capture of Crittenden, Lopez's
brave lieutenant, in his ill-starred ex-
petition to Cuba. He and his Spar
tan remnant were these forIorn pris-
oners.
When they reach the Gale de In
Lamparila, one of the narrow streets
of the old city, the guards suddenly
halted the column and reverently
barred their head A funeral process
sion was approaching from the oppo-
site direction, and the line was pushed
close toward the houses iutt;ng on the
narrow footway, scarcely worthy the
name OF Il sidewalk.
A youth among tine foremost pris.
oners, VINO, evidently, had not the
fortitude Of his older companions.
Judging by MS bowed mead and deep
detection, now looked up with wan
smile OF recognition as pair OF dark
eyes trimming with toars gazed
through n laiticed window at the pitt
full sight
''Amalia, lie whispered.
"Rohercito is it indeed you.
Oh. how terrible did not dream
you were with them
dearest cousin, save me, he re-
piled in Spanish as fluent as her own
I'VE are all condemned to De shot in
two days, perhaps sooner. am too
young to die"
would that could, nino querido,
but, alas | am powerless as lamb
among wolves"
"Amalia, don't say that. You have
friends, lovers, among the Spaniards.
For the love OF my mother"
Forward march &" rang on the air,
and the weary column passed on to
the dungeons of Moro Castle.
That night the Senorita Amalin de
Valdez was n dream of loneliness as
she recliuej listlessIy among the
cushions OF a lounge in ner handsome
salon. Tell, exquisltely formed. with
!etty tresses framing softly rounded
face, with midnight eyes" so large,
50 liqud, so lustrous that her admir-
ers exhausted the influence of their
houeyed tongues IN praising them :;
l. L.. a..
perfect IN TepOsa, were still more en-.
chanting wnen her smile disclosed the
dazzling teeth within lit is no wonder
she was considered TO be the beauty
of beauties in capital famed for the
grace and loveliuess OF its women.
The young Ca,tain Antonio dc
Ramon, who presently entered, was
80 enrapturcd with ner appearance
tuat only the presence OF theinevitable
duenna restrained him from throwing
nim.el at her feet IN reality, as well
as iu the formal salutatioD with which
Spanish gentlemen greet all ladies'.
"Beso V 10 pies, seuorita."
Sine responded i'm the same fashion,
only kissing his hands (iguratively)
instead Of his feet But she looked
preo.c1piel, sad, Respondent He
seated himself nea- her, while the
Gucuua, her gentle Tia Marin, retired
30 q distant corner, and, opening n
prayer book, was soon entirely to all
appearances, at least absorbed in it's
pCrusal.
Tell me, my soul, said he, "why
are yOu Sc mcianchOly?'
a sigh was the only response.
"Ah, ycsi / know your tender
heart aches for the prisoners you must
have seen to-day. Poor fellows
Theirs is o terrible fate. But, tell me,
what is it you wished 60 ask mo? Can
iharo be a wish Of yours ! would not
gratiy at the risk Of my life, il need
BOP have your precious billet safe
here, and he pointed TO his neart
''You have but 20 command and ! will
ouev.'
a faese words Ameiio looked up,
ena q wave OF color lowed oyer ber