The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1898-12-09
CHAPTER II.

Roberto lay on pallet beside two
other comrades, who, in the uidst of
their own misery, tried to cheer and
fortify the boy, eXhorting him to
meet mGnfully 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 pros
pect of death seemed to make cow
ard of him.
4 soldier who spoke little English
entered the cell at this moment and
roughly babe him rise and follow to
the captains room. Roberto rose
tremblingly.
Courage, my boy, said middle
aged man, perhaps it is good news
FOR you. If not, beware lest he wiring
from you Il word about Lopez's plans.
Never fear" he replied, making
an effort to control his agitation. II
hate to die''-here he guIped down a
sob-"this way, but I'll not be a
traitor. Good by.n
The guard interrupted further
speech by pushing him into the cor
ridor with his muSket.
Here is the prisoner, captain"
"N cry well; you may retire, ser
geantn
Antonio locked the door after him
and in Il low tone briefly related to
Roberto the plan he mad formulated
for the latter's escape.
Each prisoner will receive three
shots. BY dint of extensive bribery
and the co-opera ton of the surgeon, Il
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 poss.b BILE 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 details will then have
been arranged and told you. The
least indiscretion on your part, the
least bungling on that of those | have
employed, though only two are in the
secret, will ruin me as well as seal
your fate"
Roberto thanked him fervently, and
promised hi:u 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. Look
as downcast as when you entered, if
possible. Enter sergeant" he said, as
he entered the door, land conduct
this prisoner to solitary cell. He
must have no communication with
the other tilibusters.
They passed out, and Antonio
groauing deeply, murmured,-
"Oh, my love, what Il sacrificen'
The courtyard of the castle was
| thronged with solGiery as Crittenden
and his unfortunate band were march
ed to the death-place just as day was
breaking over the beautiful bay,
Surrounded by hostile soldiers they
still maintained a defiant air, even
when the glitteriLg line of bayouets
| faced them, and they knew all hope
| was over.
"kneel, tilibusters !"
| The command was not obeyed
Crittenden proudly refused in the
words that have passed into history, :
"A Kentuckian kneels to none but
| God
A struggle ensued, in which some
were forced to their knees; perhaps
| all might have been, mad not the Of
| ticer in charge, with a touch of hui
mainly, begun giving the orders.
! AZ GIle worn Ire. 80 NltdIllS "Gs
the volley that few survived it, and
| they but few moments. Roberto
happily, had no need to simulate
death The shock and strain of sus
pense had caused him to faint, anC
| the surgeon, who fastened to his
side, gave a deep sigh OF relief as he
perceived Roberto's rigid uncon
| sciousmess.
Garry this body, and this, anC
this -pointing to several-'to the
hospital"
"if they are not dead now, the!
will soon be under his knife laughed
one of his assistants.
| When Roberto revived he foun(
himself i'll a carefully darkened room
with joy he heard the word 'Amalia
in friendly voice. In a day or TIVE
aiterward, according to Antonio's pre-
vious concerted arrangements, h.
wa smugglcd, in the disguise of
waterman, to an American snip il
the haTbor and concealed in the holt
all night. The next day he thanked
his devoted cousin as he inhaled witt
a glad sense Of freedom, the soft wind
OF the Mexican sea. He never returneC
10 Cuba, though his future life wa
repIete with striking adventures.
The gay capital of Cuba was quit
electrified Il month later to learn of til