Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1898-08-10

L II q troops were
hourly expecting a call to active serv-
Ice In the war with Spain, but Chancita
was not thinking of war. but Of love.
Tonight Manuel would come for his
answer. and she had decided at last 10
give him her promise. The reproach-
ful eyes of Tom Reilley haunted her,
and her conscience demonstrated. but
Ohancita shrugged her shoulders in dis
dain. 1t Is true she had encouraged
Tom. Had even gone so far as to con
template with pleasure the possibilities
of the three rooms over his grocery, for
the home-making stinct was strong in
Chancfta. but Ton was so hOpelessly
slow-unresponsive and as awkward
rs a schoolbOy when she was kind, and
when she openly scoffed at him he had
never a word TO say In reply, but stood
looking at her with a panied, uncOm-
pretending look. Now Manuel-the hot
blood rushed to her cheeks at the
thought of La Fiesta and the moonlight
walk in the park. She thrilled at the
memory of the way Manuel's arm had
stolen around her and his dark head
bent over hers until his mustache
brushed her cheek. She had resented
the kiss with blow, and then Manuel.
seizing her hands, had kissed her again
and again til she lay trembling and sub
dued in his arms
But ChaDcfta's thoughts were inter
rupted by Lupe Valencia, who came
running down the street with a shawl
thrown over her head, Spanish fashion.
''Chancita" she exclaimed, breath
iessly. as soon as she was within speak
ing distance. Mrs. La Spada has been
arrested. She wrote a letter to the
Spanish Premier"
What folly" interrupted Chancfta
Mrs la Spada cannot so much as
scratch her name with a pen, and. as
for writing letter.
But IDS true. was there when they
took her. She cautioned me to say moth
ing. for twas Manuel who wrote 1t.
and she would not betray him"
And what then? Can we no longer
write TO Spain without arrestT
20, the letter was opened at the
postoffice. 1t urged the Spaniards to
attack Santa Barbara; told how there
was only one gatling gun on the coast
south of San Francisco. and that all the
troops We're to be called away, leaving
US defenseless.''
The traitor" exclaimed Chancita,
springing up. THE double-dyed trail
tor. To enjoy the good things of a coun-
try and then-a stab In the back"
Manuel hoped great things from the
Spanlards- even a rancho in
Cuba"
1T was a regular Judas trick"
Dupe shrugged her shoulders and slip
ped away, saying: We'll, there was no
harm done. l just come over to tell you
the news"
Mother" called Chancita through
the pen door, If Manuel comes tell him
he Will find me near San MORO watch
Ing the drill"
Manuel did not follow Chancita- He
felt that he had received his answer,
and turned away with an angry hight IN
his eyes and a curse on his lips. His
family was in too great disfavOr fol
him to care to mingle in crowd of 10y.
al citizens.
Tom Reilley. although a new recruit
WAS WluuiuS tue shpp8oUdGoA Va tnc VI
ficers by his military bearing and the
skill with which he executed the man
euvers OF the drill, but his heart was
heavy for to him enlist1ng had meant
more than the mere facing Of danger
1t meant relinQuishing the last hope OF
winning the beautiful Spanish girl
whom he loved.
Suddenly he looked up and met Chan
cfta's gaze. Surely there was no anger
there Admiration shone in her eyes
and there was q wistful look in the
dropping corners Of her scarlet lips
Never had he seen her face so soft and
tender. Forgetful of military discipline
Tom would have left the ranks and
gone to her but for the sharp reprimand
Of the Captain. which recalled him TO
bis dut-.
However, the drill was soon over, and
Chancfta, womanly wise, fingered.
Walking home under the shadewy
trees, Tom carried his first assault
against the Spanish. Never was an at
back more sudden ner a surrender more
eemplete. What was said b Q secret
bawesa them and tie so15s. but 0sa-