The San Francisco call., 1898-07-31
BINNIE AND NED IN
CUBA.

hiding-place of our guns and ammuni- tion. I trust you to remove these to place of safety. When the patriots are all ready to move they will look to you as their leader-not to me-"
 Tears that she could not keep back rolled down the girls cheeks, for she was fully alive to the peril which her determination would bring upon her.
 Tt must not be, Julia. Fly while it is yet time and leave the management of the Spaniards to me-" pleaded Bin nie.
 The girl faced him, her composure entirely regained T have thought 1t all out and my plan is the best that can be adopted"
 But the Spaniards will possibly tor ture you and throw you into prison perhaps kill you when you refuse to give up your secret. That must not be. We will make the best stand we can here'
 What must be, must be. What hap pens to me cannot be considered. l will not be the first daughter of Cuba to suffer for her native land; nor will I be the last to manifest my love for Cuba Libre."
 At these words both the Americans removed their hats in respect to the brave girl
 "Blanco is brave" she went on, "and he will respect courage in young Cuban girl. But-what is that?"
 The question found a speedy answer. The Spanish captain and his troopers were on the trail The hoofs of their horses rattled over the bridge that spanned a canyon a mile below the cabin. A minute later .ne troopers came into view, spurring their horses to their best speed, while blood and
 an~a Ig lNa tortured animals.
 Go" commanded the girl, as she stood in sight of the road. calmly await ing. without a sign of fear upon her handsome face. the oncoming foe.
 There was no mistaking her con- rnand The two California boys turned into the forest after a parting promise to her that they would yet bring Julia back to her mountain home in triumph, if that were possible.
 Fearless know you are, my friends" said Julia; "now prove your self as wise as you are brave; and do not change my plan through your i'm patience" She held out her hand, which was pressed by Binnie and Ned. Then the forest hid them securely.
 The Spaniards ransacked the cabin and asked Julia many questions. She answered all good-naturedly, but told the Spaniards nothing that they wished to know. Never mind, young woman" said the Spanish captain, ''the captain general has a way to make persons talk and tell him all their secrets. Perhaps you will change your mind after he has tried to per suade you"
 Julia understood this threat to mean the dark dungeon of some Morro Cas- tie or possible cruel punishment, but still she smiled and would not tell. She was placed upon a spare horse and was taken away as a prisoner The Americans saw her depart, but they re- spected her wishes and judgment and made no hostile move as the cavalcade swept by them within easy range Of their trusty rifles.
 Two days later Binnie and Ned were once more in the saddle. They had found the long concealed arms and am- munition-and now? They would sum- mon the bravest among the Cuban mountaineers and would follow the Spaniards to rescue the senorita at any cost. Well the lads knew all the paths in the mountains, for often. by night as well as by day, they had ridden has tiIy through the mountain fastnesses to call the Cubans together for drill or for counsel.
 Halt"
 A tall swarthy faced man stood in the middle of the trail as they rode and held his leveled rifle ready for use