Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1907-05-23

Tue coi"iiei 10 TnlSh tne letter. He read
1T through once, and then again. The
letter was from the secretary of war,
introducing Miss Frances Dodge, who
was desirous of entering the secret ser
wee, and who the secretary thought
could be of great use to Colonel Cheney.
Cheney had used women in his detect
I've service company many times. and
they had done good work. but in war
he failed to see where they could be
used. And his one. this pretty little
dark-haired and black-eycd bit OF fem
inlnlty-what could she do in this con-
fiict of men?
so you want TO enter the secret SER
vice.. Miss Dodge" said Cheney, with
an almost patronizing smile.
Yes. colonel. | do" The answer was
tense and earnest and the voice soft
and low.
And wha do you want to do. pray?''
Il want to go to Havana" Her red
iips parted. showing wen white teeth,
ana she leaned forward slightly.
You want to go where??' almost
gasped Cheney.
Havana. senior"
And what do you want to do there: ."
SAID the colonel, noting the Spanish
used.
senior 81 Colonel" answered Miss
Dodge. rising and leaning over his desk.
you want Information about Havana:
you nave sent men and they have
failed: now send a woman. she won't
fall. Wait. please. colonel seeing Che
ney was about to interrupt. My
mother was Il full-blooded Spaniard,
ana L speak the language like Il CaStil-
ian. From my looks l could be taken
for a native; that is in my avo Now,
Colonel Cheney. give me the chance
can't do less than fail. and that costs
you nothing. If l succeed, pay me as
my services deserve. You see, colonel,
l need the money!
But. my dear Miss Dodge" expostu-
lated the colonel. think of the danger
attendant upon such an undertaking.
Men have failed as you say--'
"A woman hasn't" interrupted the
lady. And. besides. colonel. l am alone
In the world. I'm ii newspaper woman
and am used to taking are of myself"
Have you talked this over with
the secretary of war, Miss Dodge"
Yes. / have. and that letter to YOU
is the result. He wouldn't have writ
ten the letter if he hadn't believed in
me. would heo"
That's logic. How do you propose
getting into Havana in case you go:."
All l ask Is to be put ashore ten
miles west of Havana. and Ill do The
rest. BY May so I'll be back here. Col
onel Cheney. with the information you
want"
Miss Dodge" HI said. after thinking
49, v tHs pipI'sitipiis IL SINt Aou
the chance. You may leave tonight for
Key West. y vessel will be there to
land you where you desire. You know
the risk. you are willing to take it.
If you get the information we want
III pay you $500"
Then you may have the warrant
drawn. Colonel Cheney. because I'll be
back here to claim it twenty days from
now"
Il hope YOU will" He then gave her
specific instructions and offered her
money for expenses.
that. l have sufficient funds with me-
Cheney arranged for the vessel by
telegraph, and that evening Miss
Dodge was gone. Three days later he
received u telegram from the vessels
commander saying Miss Dodge had
miles west of Havana. Cheney
thought of the young lady "A great
many times during the ensuing DAYS.
He hoped all was well with her. though
he was dubious. The Spaniards would
not kill a woman even if she was cap
tured. Miss Dodge was too beautiful
for that.
Abou 6 o'clock on the afternoon of
May 80 Miss Dodge walked into Colonel
Cheney's office as blithe and fresh as
a lark.
Good evening. Colonel Cheney.
- ny uIdit " S-.oUu
We'll, l am glad to see you back.
And the draft is yours as soon as the
information l asked for is in my pos
session. But whether YOU hav the
information OF not. 1 am glad you are
alive, and Well"
Il told you. colonel, the woman would
not fail. And say. colonel. I've had the
time of my life. The Spanish officers
are the easiest things I have even seen.
Why, look at this!" She handed him IL
picture of IL distinguished looking
Spanish officer. Turning it over. he
read: "ro my guerrilla amigo Senorita
Teresa Ramirez. Ramon Blanco Cap
itan Gcnerale.'
Well, by all that's great. How did
you Go it,"
Then she told the story. She landed.
as was told by the naval officer. west
or havana. Cautiously she made her
way to the city. Arriving there about
daylight she had her breakfast in a
small cafe and then went boldly out to
y store and bought sufficient clothing
TO make a good appearance. The she
went to the Ingleterra hotel. and was
soon at home. Her black eyes and
naive manner did the rest. Before
night she had a dozen Spanish officers
caacing attendance upon her. 4 day
or SO later there was IL ball at the
palace. 'Senorita ramirez went and
was to Captain General
bianco. and he was rs easy as the
rest. From now on her task was sine
cure. She drove all over the city.
walked through the forts and with a
camera neatly concealed in her skirts
she took views OF all the new works.
The road from Batabano was not be-
Ing fortified. because the Americans
We're not expected that way. However.
toward Matanzas there were earth
works being erected and resistance
would be me- there. From the west
and south. however. the American adj
vance could be made. 1T would he
policy" said Miss Dodge. ito mako -
remit from Matanzas. to occupy the
spaniards who expected them that