Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-10-13

the situation foolish In all that long Journey
down the eastern coast he learned nothing whatever
Of Importance
His delayed dropped him off late at night in
the Florida town and he was compelled to seek
lodging with strangers sleep in the open. He
chose the latter and went below the city,
the bridge. and toward the Punch Bowl where
he found rest beside the road till early morning.
When the first rays OF the were hlter1ng through
the great trees and drenching the Creepers with
light he returned to the city assisted on his way by
a kindly farmer who was driving in for supplies
From him he learned where the Chinese laundrieS
were situated but could gather nothing whatever
confirming his suspicious that the Government was
either in possession OF plant at this point or even
conducting any experiments III the vicinity.
Still disguised and acting upon what had been told
him. he sought the abode of the Chnaman who
already sweating his tubs and found him amena
Die to persuasion and DESTROYS of giving assistance
when paid considerable sums of protection money.
His horn of plenty was golden one, but proved
useless day of fruitless effort, his most careful
inquiries bringing nothing IN the way OF return.
Tired and discouraged he passed the early part of
the night in sleep from which he was aroused by
nightmares of horror and forebodings of failure his
mental state rObbng him of rest.
In the hope that fatigue would cure insomnia he
donned his clothing and sauntered away through the
deserted streets. his heavy leather soles clunpng
upon board walks and across sandy patches. 1t was
past O'Clock in the morning, and all still.
He wandered idly along the main thoroughfare. and
reached the far end of the town. before his attention
was attracted by sound from the water front where
holloway through the stiffness a steam winch
chuggng and sputtering as it toed away with its
load. 1t brought MN to quick malt and aroused
his mind a multitude of questions because along
the entire shore line of this great country craft
loading and none arriving, according to
his knowledge He hastily directed his steps toward
the wharves, steathy seeking the shadows of the
palm trees, and stopping now and then to avoid any
chance of being observed.
Lying against the pier was a small gunboat of the
United States navy, which receiving supplies,
and the men at work were evidently hurrying at
their utmost The vessel had not been there during
the daylight hours,-of this he certan-hence
ferln dino MO re- hut one
desire for secrecy His nerves keyed up in the hope
Of a discovery. alert and nquistlve, he crept close
to the freight shed where the lights threw huge
spots OF white.
SO this accounted for the disposal of those nys-
ferrous orders which had been reported him by
Meredith and others! But where could they be
bound: What was the destination of this ship
which, even as he watched was casting off her lines
preparatory to sailing away into the night?
In his anxiety he was on the verge of rushing
and trusting to any convenient pretext. when boy
homeward bound Here was the spy's opportunity
and he accepted it. He hailed the lad and in pigeon
English told him he wanted to get aboard the vessel
if he could,
~ Well you can't do it. came the response If
you wanted to git why didn't you after the
ship instead of stopping me.
oh, you want to know where she's going now
do you, Mr. Chnk Well. fellow the dock said
she was going to Guantanamo. and that means you
couldn't 60 on her if YOU wanted to.
Then with derlSlve laugh he took up the strain
Of his melody at exactly the place he had left
off when accosted thrust his hands into his pockets
Seigo was eated. That accounted for it. then!
The United States was playing some crafty game,
using its Cuban naval station base;
Quoting some experiment or Quitting some strange
expedition with necessities that could not be OBJ
tanned in the big island to the south The only per-
turbng thought was that the navy, instead of being
inactive. had some secret task hand which had
been taken away from home stations. He decided
he must return to Washington with this single strand