Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-12-14


much more clearly defined than when
VIC were In college, and Henry's in
terest in it had also become intensified.
But | was surprised to find that he
was not openly advocating the Cuban
cause. Whether the interest of his
family, fearing destruction or confis-
cation of the estate, prevented him
from doing so, did not know. l judg-
ed that the daughter OF a neighboring
sugar planter had something to do
with his failure to come out as an ad-
vocate of throwing of Spanish rule.
This young lady, Concia Sierra, was
the gentlest little body In the world.
She must have carried northern blood
in her veins, for she had not the dark
complexion of a Cuban. Indeed, she
was veritable blond. with light hair
and blue eyes. 1t occurred to me that
she would restrain the man she loved
from taking risks, and that she loved
Molina was evident to me the moment
| saw them together
l soon found that there was another
force dra wing Henry in the opposite
direction. This was Inez de la Barra,
one of a family whose members, all
except herself, supported the Spanish
cause Inez was bitter in her advoca-
cy of the Cuban cause. Unlike the
Molinas, the La Barras had little or
nothing to lose by Spanish antagonism.
for they lived on a small estate and
were poor, though in Spain they had
formerly been grandees. 1t was this
latter fact that kept them loyal to
Spain. Why Inez sympathized with
the Cuban cause | could not under
stand.
Notwithstanding our intimacy Hen
~ Molino did not give me his conf
dence in these matters Evidently
there was a rivalry for him between
the two girls. The one drew him by
siIken cords. the other by glistenins
chains. Inez de la Barra was entirely
Spanish. Her complexion was olive.
her hair jet black. while over her dark
eyes waved the long iashes OF a Span
ish woman.
While | was in Cuba General Weyier
began his efforts to strange the revolu-
ton by vigorous prosecution of those
who aided and. abetted 1t. Though
knew that Henry Molina was one of
| its advocates, Outwardly he remained
neutral. Whether his family or COncia
I Sierra restrained him ! did not know,
/ though | fGncied that SenOrita Sierra
was the chief cause OF his remaining
/ inactive. Nevertheless he was much
with her rival. and whenever 1 saw
him aud Inez together | noticed that
+ they cOnversed with n great deal OF in
tensity and usually in a low tone.
These were dangerous times in Cuba
General Weyler had carte blanche
/ from the Spanish government to i'm
prison or execute as he liked. and felt
uneasy for s'nban who possessed my
friendship. Though protected by mI
United States citizenship. ! would haV'
left Cuba had it not been for this littl'
drama in which my chum was playing
the principal part. Many on both side
were looking to see for which Gauss
he would declare, and both side.
claimed him.
One night as ] was going to bed Hen
~ followed me into my room. shu
the door and said:
Il must leave you here to he enter
tanned by others Of my family. 10
at daylight in the morning go TO pu
in operation a scheme for which
have been preparing. ] have secre
information OF a force Of Spanish
troops who are about to make descen
upon a number of prominent Cubal
patriots and gather them in for tn