Arizona republican., 1902-06-08
CHAPTER TX.

The trip to Cuba was uneventful and before the Spaniards gave no thought to what was before them. Life on the transport grew monotonous after the first two days and most of the soldiers passed their spare moments in playing poker, though a good part of the day was devoted to drill in the manual of arms and school for the non-commis- stoned officers. Willie, or rather Cor poral Jones, attended the latter. and though his knowleedge of military mat ters was limited to what he learned since he had been soldier. he made every effort to acquire knowledge, and when he was not attending the school or drill he was usually to be found in a sequestered nook of the transport studying a book on grammar. He now felt ashamed of his ignorance and knew that Sal was so greatly his su- perior, Intellectually, that he wondered why she could even give him a mo- nent's thought as an eligible suitor. These thoughts had not obtruded themselves on him until he had come in contact with cultured minds, for many of the volunteers were highly educated, and our hero regretted for the first time in his life that when he was still a young boy he had let the opportunity for an education slip by. It was too late to have vain regrets so he determined to remedy the evil as far as he was able. He was assisted greatly by Blinkie, who laughingly said that as long as he was pounding knowledge into Willie's head he was keeping himself out of the guard house. Blinkie was now on his good behavior, for there was no opportunity to pur- chase liquor on the transport. and as long as he was free from intoxicants he managed to keep out of trouble very well.
 Morris, who was placed under arrest in quarters for refusing to acknowledge the theft of the captains purse, was still considered under arrest, though he performed the duties of a soldier. He had been informed by his troop con- mander that he would be released from arrest if he would admit that he had committed the theft in order to get Corporal Jones in trouble. He refused to admit the truth and still stuck to the statement that he was innocent, and that Willie had stolen the purse. Mor-
  body with the exception of few spirits like himself, would associate with him
 Great excitement prevailed on the fleet of transports when the hills of the island of Cuba were sighted. Willie and his friend Blinkie were beside themselves with joy at the prospects of an early encounter with the Span iards. Willie because he now thought the time arrived when he could show Sal that he could do, and dare for hel sake and for his country. and no shame can be attached to him for thinking oi her before the duty to the flag intruded itself on his mind. He was willing tc sacrifice his life for his country, but ht did not consider that. he was onl! thinking of the time when he could re. turn to her and get his reward.
 The morning after sighting the mountains of Cuba. the fleet of trans ports and the convoy of war vessel: slowly steamed past the mouth of San tiago harbor out of gun range ant everybody was enabled to get a look q the grim fortress, Morro, guarding tn, entrance to the bay. The flag of Spail floated lazily in the breeze from tn.