The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1906-1907, 1906-10-31
Two Scapegraces

@S miusu4pAHhu III lne naVy-tnnt -
where the mldshipman is ashore OF
leave. Possibly now that war vessels
have changed from light wooden struc
lures, riding the waves with white
wings like a bird, to a machine shor
driven by steam some Of the romancf
may have been knocked out OF the
middies, but fifty years ago, when the
United States frigate Honeybee sailed
into Havana harbor, she had as roll
! licking lot Of Juniors as ever were
got together In lighting ship.
Bob Merrett and Ned Perry, both
midshipmen, could get into more mis-,
chief In one day ashore than the rest
Of the officers would meet In a month.
No sooner had the Honeybee dropped
her anchor than both lads applied for
leave to 60 ashore.
you can co. said their commander.
"but remember that these spaniards
are hot, jealous lot, and IL you're not
careful you'll be brought back with d
machete sticking In you."
The injunction was UNDECIDED. The
middieg went into Havana, hired d
vehicle for a drive and, passing the
plantation Of Don Antonio CORDOBA,
espied Donna Ysabel CORDOBA, his
daughter, aged fifteen, playing under
the palms at some distance from the
house.
Now, what followed would have
stricken the girls parents with horror
They considered ISABEL a child. for.
getting that in the tropics girls expand
like the foliage. The young rascaIs
called to Donna YsabeI to ask the road.
chatted with her In bad Spanish and
asked her to drive. She cast a fright
ened glance in the direction OF the
house, climbed the wall. and, taking
seat between the two middies, away
they went as fast as the bony, half
starved horse could take them. Either
officer made good chaperon, 80 there
was really no harm in the escapade
except violation of custom.
The ride finished, the girl was drop
ped safely where she had been taken
up, and, during the stay Of the Honey
bee In the port Of Havana, Bob Merrett
made frequent visits to the palm wood,
at last sailing away with Donna Ysa-
bells heart. A year passed before he
saw her again, when his ship touched
at Havana and be went to the Cardoza
plantation with a proposition for the
girls hand. He was Informed that Ii
he showed his face there again he
would find resting place in a neigh
boring cemetery.
Bob went back to the ship and told
his sorrow to hts friend Perry. The
result OF the interview was that Perry
agreed 70 60 70 the plantation In muftl.
steal away the girl and take her to d
village the two mIddies had PASSED
through on their way 10 the planta.
ton, There her lover was to meet and
marry her Tacre were several de-
fects III the plan, not the least Oh which
was the fact that they agreed to d
rendezvous In little square IN the
center Of the village, rather public
place for such meeting.
The next day, both mlddies having
obtained shore leave. Ned went on
ahead, agreeing to have the girl at the
trystlng place. though the hour must
necessarily be indefinite. Bob waited
impatlently In Havana tin he could
wait no longer. then went to the VII
lage and took a seat In the public
square,
After waiting an hour It occurred to
him that possibly II Ned had been sue.
cessful In getting the girl they might
not find Il quite safe to rendezvous IN
30 conspicuous place. They might
be hiding In some Of the houses.
Knocking at several Of the doors.
he asked those within II they had seen
young couple. No one had seen
young couple. Along came hawker
Of toys Bob thrust bis hand into the
mans basket, drew out q tin horn
and blew the dinner call with a mighty
blast. Up went window sash on the
opposite side Of the street. and Ned
Perry's head was thrust out.
Il thought that would bring YOU
said Bob what luckY'
"come over here and I'll tell YOU"
Bob crossed the street and was ad.
United 70 the house. Inside were
Spanish woman and a black eyed
maiden just budding into womanhood
But she was not Donna Ysabel. Bot
looked az her disappointed. then at bic
friend for an explanation.
I've good news for you" said Ned
Donna isabel was frantic at y0ur re
pulse aud told her father che would
KIN herself. so be has consented "a
look up your credentials and IL you're
all right hen consent"
That's good news. sure enough,
said Bob. ''tut what are yOn dolns
heroT
Ned frowns.l nc his friend. CHANGING
az the same time az the others; then
bidding them good afternoon. the mid.
dies left the house.
'well, what Il itSa asked Bob ON ths
sidewalk.
~Driftel into a cross t.urRanA ana