The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-02-09
PART II.

This was little more than l had bar
gained for As | stood on the misty
deck it came home to me that the En-
terprize was not only carrying warlike
stores for the Cuban rebels, but also
party of men to join their ranks. l had
been very ready to accept what risk
there might he in trying to turn the
Spanish flank and see something of the
war from the Cuban point of view, but
now it occurred to me rather forCibly
what if we should be captured? 1
confess that, for the moment, visions of
a speedy court martial followed by an
equally speedy execution, in which L
might bear a prominent if not agreeable
part. stood out with amazing clearness
against the background of misty cloud
into which we seemed to be plunging
with ever Increasing speed.
After all, there was some comfort in
that. The Enterprise, if that We're in
deed her name, was evidently a smart
vessel, and it was more than likely she
would carry us safely through. The
visions of capture, trial and speedy eX
eCution, which my acquaintance with
Spanish methods in Cuba had made
very life like, faded away, and gave
place to almost holiday experiences
among the rebels, backed by a picture
still more attractive of the time when
] should find my way by some means
into Havana. This meant for me a
certain house in the suburbs, where L
could almost see eyes that grew
brighter, if that were possible, at my
coming.
How long my reverie had lasted, 1
can hardly guess nut it was interrupt
4 sl,t,
recognized as that of my late compan-
ion, and in another moment he came
up to me.
"A fine night for us" Sc said, dryly,
but hardly so good for enjoying
View" l turned round 50 as to get u
better idea of his appearance by the
light of the solitary lamp as 1 replied:
Not much "isK of our being over
hauled, l suppose, is there?"
Not much hereabouts, anyhow" he
said, with sort Of chuckle, which i'm
pressed me unfavorably. The lamp
light shone on his face, and gave me,
for the first time, an opportunity of
forming a clear impression of it's fea-
lures and expression. 1t was a hand
some face, certainly, with good fea-
lures, bright, dark eyes and a quick
alert air that gave promise of intelll-
gence and promptitude. His skin was
sWarthy, though hardly more than eX-
pOsure at sea to tropical suns might
easily account for, and his hair, which
was short, was black in appearance
On the whole, q face that might be-
long to a gallant sailor, and one likely
to command the favor of women, with
out forfeiting the confidence of men,
The thought passed through my mind
in a moment that his laugh was the
worst of him, and then l dismissed the
impression it had made
Il suppose there's a good chance of
being overhauled in Cuban waters?" /
said. He shrugged his shoulders
though very slightly, and again he
gave the same curious chucllle as he
replied, carelessly: "Oh, 1 guess
there's risks. Most of us are paid for
that, L reckon. Anyhow, you can
make yourself comfortable in the mean
time-well not sight a Spaniard for
thrty-siX hours.
In that case I think I'll go below"
said |. II should like to see all there
is to be seen when the time comes"
All right, sir. I'll see you get the
chance; and you'll be all the more fit
If you turn in now"
l went below, and making the best
OF things, found my way to the stuffy
little berth pointed out to me by the
black steward.
Our voyage was pleasant for the next
Two days, and l improved my acquaint-
ance with my original companion, who
occupied, l discovered, the position Of
second officer on board the Enterprise