The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1911-04-20

OF Nassar college, and we'll versed in
Things American, from fourth dimen-
sion TO college friendships and fudge.
sat on the porch of her plantation
nome, province of Santa Clara, Cuba.
The planter whose tobacco fields Join
ed her own vast estate on the south
half reclined in long chair. A third
chair beside the senorita indicated
that the party which was now two re-
Gently had been three.
A frown crossed the planters face
when he looked up to see a man CON
fronting them-a man with tanned
face, wide shoulders and slim hins.
His khaki clothes were dust-covered
His light shirt rolled open at the neck
The planter was an aristocrat ac-
customed to crushing or ignoring those
without money or position. and so
after an insolent glance. he finished
what he was saying: And have dc
clded to marry her. She lis an Ame.,-
can, but handsome. And her father
has much gold" he spoke in Spanish.
As for the senorita, she gave a littIe
shrug of disapproval or doubt a mo-
ment, senior" she replied. Then. in
English, to the man on the palm-fring-
ed walk: What is it?"
"A drink of water. If you will be So
kind"
The tap of a bell brought a black
servant. While he was gone for tho
water the senorita. who had imbibeu
democratic ideas al college. motioned
the man 20 be seated. She studied
hin' at first casually, then with inte~-
est
lie was Americana; one could tell
taht by the set of the shoulders the
polse OF the head. the firm, humorous
mouth. She spoke with quick resolve
Perhaps the senior desires work."
The man; face lighted as he an
swered: Yes"
Il have fla -, as overseer. If Won
could speak Spanish"
What are you thinking of. sonori-
Ia :! broke in the planter. harshlv
Inc man is an Americano-a tramp.
he Will rob you, or worse"
A rustic; they all turned. In the
doorway stood a girl, an American
girl, Of the kind men love and cherish
and die for
The American stood up. Il sneak
the language, as you see.' he said IN
excellent Spanish. Il accept your of
fer and thank you"
Harris, which was the name The
American gave, fitted in. The negro
workmen of the plantation knew him
for master. They saw him take tbe
great machete left by the foreman a
giant OF a man, and weigh it fondly
II was blade as heavy as a broadaxe
cano, and a man.
He had popularity. Very seldom
was he in conversation with the seno-
rita or her guest; but he watched over
them.
When the two young women drove
through the plantation the overseer.
on his horse. was in front or behind.
he was always lowering about, Just
out of sight
AS the days wore on, the planter
whose estates adjourned came more
frequently. Always he scowled when
he saw the overseer.
One afternoon, following an inter-
view with the senorita alone, he flung
himself away in deadly rage. That
evening she was very quiet and
thoughtful
AHS "oTkmen noJlced that the over
seer seemed to redouble his watchful- |
ness. They saw him slip away a few |
days later melting into the jungle like |
a panther. They did not know that he |
was following one of the maids from |
the big house, and that he trailed her
10 trysting place with the planter.
1t was bright moonlight and o'clock |
In the morning. The traitorous maid |
had left the front door unbarred. The /
overseer, his machete across his knees. !
revolver on his hip. sat in the gloom
of the old stone house.
The planter. for whom he was wait
ing, came. He staggered up the palm
walk, secure in the feeling that the
American senorita was unguarded.
The plantation workmen were snor-
ing in their kennels half a mile away;
the overseer was also asleep in his
quarters. And ten OF the planters