The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-11-25

Sll6uCt lOl IlSoikItioh'
"Oh. I'll go, even ii walk" returned
Holton. but ! certainly shall appre
ciate the horse"
Sunset was the hour and the Cuban
camp the rendezvous agreed upon
by the two, and after shaking hands
witt the young man, Holton returned
to mis- own lines and made his way
to Skaters headquarters. The COM
mander.in.chief was in wretched phys
ical condition, and the able and en-
ergetic Lieutenant Miley was attend
Ing to m.ny OF the executive details.
To this officer Holton made his way.
ibid you receive any word from
the PRESIDENT" he asked.
The naval officer some days previ-
ously had requested General Shafter
to solicit a message from the Presi.
dent disclaiming any idea of holding
and annexing Cuba after the close OF
hostilities. 1t was well understood
by Shafter, or rather by his aide. why
Holton proffered the request.
Now. in reply to his question. the
aide dived into his tent and emerged
bearing cable dispatch sent from
Washington via Key West and Guam.
tanamo It was addressed to General
Shafter and read as follows
"The President states herewith that
hostilities against the Kingdom OF
Spain were instituted with the sole
purpose of liberating Cuba from Span
ish rule. 1t is our wish that. thus
free, she shall take hel proud place
among the republics of America"
Good" exclaimed Holton, after
reading the message. Nothing am
biguous about that, is there?
Not a thing" laughed Miley. i
suppose you want this"
1T would be invaluable" responded
Holton eagerly. May take It."
For reply, the tall, weather-beaten
army officer handed Holton the cable
gram.
At sunset he proceeded to the spot
suggested by young La Tossa. and
found him already mounted and hold
ing another pony by the bride.
"You are on time" he said. "This
is your horse. and l suggest we start
| at once"
For an hour they rode in silence.
and finally paused in copse of woods
outside the little settlement called Sc
villa. Here the young Cuban dis.
mounted, and Holton did likewise.
looking inquiringly at the boy. The
latter smiled half mockingly. and Hol-
ton. advancing to him. placed his
hand upon his arm, while lie regarded
the youth with curious eyes.
You make me think very much OF
your sister," he said.
DO ~" The fellow laughed. "You
care for my sister, then?"
Holton flashed back a quick glance
at the boy.
Care for her! Look here, young
ster, care for her SO much that II
she doesn't look out I'm going to
be your brother some day"
A laugh broke from La Tossa
y have heard her say pretty much
the same thing" he chuckled.
Holton took both his shoulders In
a rnighty grip.
"You have!" he cried. "Quick now
boy, are you Joking?"
The other wrigged away and placed
his hand ruelully upon his shoulder
You needn't crush my bones m
he grumhled. "Ol course it's true"
Hollon leared upon the pony.
Come Oh. Let's go to her" Ills
tone was as ardent as cavaliers.
Not now" was the laughing reply
Eve must stay here until it is dark.
Young La iossa pointed toward Q
crumbling building.
DO you notice the peculiar shape
OF that roof" he asked. We'll. have
an idea You will be in this vic'r't,
later. If you are. remember the shape
OF that roof. Inside that very build
ing" He paused. But my sistel
will tell you," he added.
The darkness grew rapidly denser
until at last it was sufficiently bla,
to suit the wishes OF the young Gu
ban. Mounting their ponies. the TIVE
turned In the direction OF Santiago
and had Just entered trail leadin,
through low bushes, covering an i'm
mense area. when man. gun In hand
stepped out in front of them.
Helton's revolver leaped from IT
] holster. but his companion put out
restraining hand.
well, Pierce" no asked sharply
Miss La Tossa," responded tn
| man, lis here"
} A thrill shot through Holton, an
he was on the ground in an instant
The brother followed suit. and tn
! next instant the form of the girl cor
Z fronied him.
z "Ramon!"
y "Raneew
III As they embraced It seemed TO Ho
ton as though he would give UP tie
4 numbers OF his rank as senior lier
tenant il he could be in the yvath'
shoes. Aoodily he saw the gil T.