The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1898-12-13
CHAPTER II.

Roberto lay on pallet beside two
other comrades, who, in the midst OF
their own misery, tried to cheer and
fortify the boy, exhorting him to meet
manfully doom which they felt was
even more terrible for him than for
them. He had been one Of the most
enthusiastic volunteers; had fought
well, but now the near prospect OF
death seemed to make coward of
him.
A soldier who spoke little Eng
lish entered the cell at this moment
and roughly bade him, rise and follow
TO the captains room. Roberto rose
tremblingly.
Courage, my boy, said a middle
aged man, perhaps it is good news
for you. If not, beware lest he wig
from you word about Lopez's plans
"Never fear" he replied, making an
effort to control his agitation. i hate
to die''-here he gulped down Sob
"this way, but III not be a traitor
Good-by."
The guard interrupted further
speech by pushing him into the cor,
ridor with his musket.
"Here is the prisoner, captain
every well; you may retir:. ser
geant."
Antonio locked the door after him,
and in low tone briefly related to
Roberto the plan he had formulted for
the latter's escape.
Each prisoner will receive three
shots. By dint Of extensive, bribery,
and the cooperation of a surgeon,
a secret friend Of the Cuban cause,
have arranged that three blank cart
ridges shall be fired at you. You must
be careful to simulate death as much
as possible until the word 'Amalia'
is whispered in your ear. Then you
may breathe freely and open your
eyes, for you will be temporarily safe.
Further detils will then have bean ar
ranged and told you. The least indis-
cretion on your part. the least bung'
ling on that Of those I have employed,
though only two are in the secret,
will ruin me as well as seal your
fate"
Roberto thanked him fervently, and
promised him implicit obedience.
"You must not return to your com,
rades."
"Poor fellows" muttered Roberto.
"The light of hope IS shining in
your eyes. and might betray us. Loob
as downcast as when you entered, il
possible. Enter sergeant, he said, as
he entered the door, ''and conduct
this prisoner to a solitary cell He
must have no communication with the
other filibusters.'
They passed out and Antonio
groaning deeply, murmured,-
"Oh, my love, what a sacrifice"
=
Ths courtyard Of the castle was
thronged with soidiery as Crittender
and his unfortunate band were
marched to the death-place just a:
day was breaking over the beautiful
bay. Surrounded by hostile soldiers
they still maintained a defiant air
even when the glittering line Of bay
oncts faced them, and they knew al
hope was over.
.Kneel. filibusteros!'
The command was not obeyed. Crit
tenden proudly refused in the word:
that have passed into history
"a Kentuckian kneels to none bu
God"
\ struggle ensued, in which some
were forced to their knees; perhap!
all might have been, had not the of
ficer in charge, with touch Of hu
manity, begun giving the orders.
At the word Fire. SO deadly wa
the volley that few survived it, ant
they but a few moments. Roberto
happily, had no need to stimulate
death. The shock and strain Of th
suspense had caused him to faint, ant
the surgeon. who fastened to his side
| gave a deep sigh Of relief as he per
( ceived Roberto's rigid unconscious
| ness.