Arizona republican., 1902-08-03

He told a straightforward story and gave the facts in full regarding the capture of Willie and the subsequent capture of himself while attempting to rescue the former. He dwelt at great length at what Marcella and Ramon had done for them. Marcella had told the colonel part of the story. but say ing very little about herself. As Blinkie expatiated on the goodness of the Cuban girl there was in his voice note of enthusiasm which was not due to gratitude alone for what she had done for them. The colonels eyes sparkled as Blinkie related his story. He could detect the tones of the lover, and casually remarked that the tale would end very romantically if he was a judge. Blinkie understood the all l fusion and blushed, but made matters worse by attempting to appear uncon- scious of the colonel's meaning.
 The regimental commander told Blinkie to report to his troop com- mander and then congratulated him upon his escape from the Spaniards but told him that he had acted very unwisely by leaving his command with out permission. and that if it had been in the regular service he would surely have been courtmartialed for the of fense.
 Blinkie congratulated himself that he had got off very easily, but what was his surprise when he returned to his quarters to be called to the tent of his troop commander. He expected that he was to get another lecture, and was dumbfounded when told that he was to be promoted to corporal upon the recommendation of the colonel of the regiment.
 Blinkie was warmly congratulated by
 his comrades upon his promotion, and as soon as he could obtain permission
 to leave the lines he went to the city and related to Marcella his good for
 tune.
 He was desperately in love, but the
 Cuban girl was shy and her responses
 to his wooing were not exactly what
 he desired, but he consoled himself with
 the knowledge that there was yet time
 and he would get her in the end.
 One day shortly after Blinkie's pro-
 motion he called again on his manor
 ita, and was told by her that there was
 another transport to leave for the
 states in few days with sick soldiers
 and she had been requested to accom-.
 pany them on their journey to act a:
 nurse en route. Blinkie was throwr
 into a fit of dejection by this intelli-
 gence, and Marcella's eyes sparkled as
 she noticed his fallen spirits. Why are you looking so sad?' sh,
 asked him. T expect you will be leav-
 ing for the states yourself in a coupl; Of wi tn
 seeing me then.''
 His face frightened visibly. To ge
 her to the states was a problem tha had been disturbing him, and once ther
 he felt sure that she would inevta bl. say the word that would make hin
 happy.
 } His mood changed at once, and h l fell in with her plans. It was her in tention to stay in the states until peac was permanently established on tn , islands, when she would return hom to Havana to see if there was any hop !, of securing the plantation of her fathe
 which had been confiscated by Genera \ Weyler.
 l Blinkie mentally vowed that he woul l accompany her back to the island, bu 9 aloud he said that he intended to kee
 
 |, out of the service. His meaning Wa :. understood by Marcella, but she af l effected not to comprehend, yet ther r was mischief lurking in her dark eye t When Blinkie returned to camp h y acquainted Ramon with Marcella's ir = tention to go to the states, and tn d latter said he was glad of it, >as he t usefulness was over on the island, fo S the Cubans would now lay down the
 arms, and she could do no more for tf r cause. He said that he would also g It to the states if he would be allowe l. to accompany Blinkie's regiment $ The day prior to that on which Maj n celia was to sail with the sick soldier I : Blinkie and Ramon called to bid he q farewell. She did not know just whel j. she would go upon arrival in the state 1t but thought that she would stay in or l. of the hospitals at Montauk Poin h where she could be of use in nursir l. the sick soldiers that arrived fro e Cuba, as that place was to be estal le lished as the place of disembarka tic n of all troops that arrived from Cuba. IS Blinkie attempted to kiss her upc er leaving, but she gently repulsed hir y. saying, Not yet The words we is uttered before she understood their in in port, and when she comprehendt to what she had said she flushed crimso l. but would not retract the statemer al as she noticed the joy that came ov Blinkie's face. She fully intended In accept him, but like most of her S,
 enjoyed tantalizing the lover is The parting was sorrowful. but { nt looked forward to a happy meeting as the states in the near future, and 6 n. though Blinkie felt himself deserte