The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1898-09-04

essity of having sharp to help in the
Ostend made members of the searching party:
They ride out OF the city in high glee we'll
mounted and fully armed with the foolish Of
hcer.l
C----TER VII.
7HE four the Spanish officer,
Harry Ostend, Julia and Binnle,
all fully armed, rode with varied
emotions. The officer hoped to
gain fame and reward; the others
hoped to use the officer to help them TO
reach the American army outpostS, at
least to get through the Spanish lines
with his assistance Soon they came TO
where the road had three forks Here,
upon the advice of Julia, who was pre-
serving we'll the appearance OF span
1sh soldier, Harry Ostend was instruct
ed to ride in one direction, Bipnie in
second and the officer and Julia went
along in company, on the main road.
Harry Ostend and Binnie did not ride
far before they drew rein. The sound
of the hoofs of the horses ridden by
Julia and the officer had died out in
the distance. The two Americans rode
back to the 70 S of the road and there
met, Binnie, who reached the junction
first, waiting for Harry Ostend to come
up. Together they then made their
way along the main road, keeping their
eyes and ears open. They realized that
Julia, when she had caused them to
take the side roads had some plan that
she wished to carry out alone, and they
also understood that she had sent them
away so that the entire party should
not fall into trouble if she should fail.
mile from the forks of the road
Julia turned suddenly on her compan-
% ion.
Sudden suspicion flashed into the of
flcer's mind.
Click.
His suspicion came too late. "who
~ aclrA p 81
he reached for his pistol.
Please give me that weapon, cap
TAIN" the girl quietly said. You are
my prisoner"
The officer gave up his pistol I'M
willingly, wondering what this all
meant.
81 will call some friends of yours, if
you do not mind went on the girl, in
an even tone of voice.
She took from its hiding place a me-
tallic whistle and blew upon it a signal.
Shrilly through the forest the echoes
rang. Harry Ostend and Binnie heard.
This was the Cuban signal for as
sembling. 1t was familiar TO the Span
ish captain, for ii had been used by
the Cubans from the beginning of the
war of independence. The captain
heard and knew how easily be had been
tricked His anger stirred so in him
that he drove the spurs deep in his
horses sides and was away like the
wind. Julia did not fire after him; she
waited for developments, secure in the
idea that the officer would not escape
her.
Onward came Binnie and Harry Os-
tend with the speed of an onrushing
storm. Their first idea was that Julia
was in danger but when they saw the
Spanish officer alone and in full flight
the fun of the situation partly over
came them. There was laughter in
their voices as they called upon the Of
hcer to rein in and surrender. This
the officer ,sullenly did. He was forced
TO go on ahead of the two Americans as
they pressed forward to meet Julia In
her excitement her soldier cap had fall
en- from her head and her hair. which
she had deity coiled up and hidden in
her cap when she first put on the uni
form of Spanish soldier, now blew
loosely about her shoulders.
The disgust Of the Spanish Officer was
intense.
Taken prisoner by a girl" he said.
How will that sound when it is
known?"
TT will not be known at once" re-
sponded Harry Ostend. Julia" he
went on, as he turned admiringly to-
ward her, of all the brave and wise
Cuban girls that it has been my good
fortune to meet, you are the bravest
and wisest.''
Thank you, Mr.. Ostend; and thank
you, too. Binnie, for coming to my
help. l gave you both a chance, you
see, to take part in the capture of the
brave Captain"
Ostend, Binnie and the Cuban girl!
This was too much for the wondering
Captain.
will you answer me one question p"
You wish to know where Ramirez
is, | SUPPOSE" said Julia.
Yes"
He was the fourth person in our
party. When you innocently engaged
us to catch ourselves, Ramirez stood
by, quaking with fear. believing that
you would recognize him. He brought
us to the outer line of the city and he
was a good conductor; but we think
that you will be of as much use as he
was"
Never" The officers ia ce was
pallid with rage as he said this.
Three pistols were leveled at him.
He looked at them coolly for a mo-
ment, then he realized that he must
obey
Lead on he sullenly said
mo, you are to do the leading until
we are safely beyond all the Spanish
lines If you serve us we'll and do not
attempt to betray US we will speak for
you when we join the Americans But
do not trif1e with us if you wish to see
sunny Spain once more" So said
Harry Ostend.
g.. Onward the party went. Binnie rode
ahead Of the Spaniard TO head him off
in case he should make another dash
TO escape. Harry Ostend and Julia
brought UP the rear. Binnie had no
difficulty in following the trail, which
led uD to a blockhouse which was
filed with Spanish soldiers who were
loungin lazily about
Beware" said Harry Ostend to the
Spanish officer as they came in sight
Of the soldiers. You will say that we
n