The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1913-12-26


speak with Mr.. Holton alon&
Holton said nothing. but waited
while the two.N thus adjured. moved
into the bushes out OF earshot. ''' yTN
"Mr. Holton." she said then. with
little catch in her voice. II don't
know why am doing this. but IL Is
because / believe In you and in your
country"
You are justified. ar sure. In be-
replied Holton. Il
Il am sure OF II. Tonight. Mr. Hol
ton. AT Sevilla. in the building which
my brother pointed out 10 you-he did
point IL out. as | asked him 10. did
he not?"
Yes" nodded Holton. he pointed
IL out"
"ln that building" she continued,
tonight, there is TO be a meeting of
officers high in the Cuban army. at
which an Immediate outbreak against
the soldiers OF the United States will
be discussed"
Holton started
"Garcia-will he be there'" he
asked
Garcia will not be there. nor Rabi.
nor Castillo"
Holton laughed.
Then" he declared. the meeting
will not amount TO much"
do not be fooled" was the warm
rejoinder. 1T will amount to a great
deal. You know-or do you?-the
condition of your army. Sickness is
beginning"
Yes, but a majority are well. and
myself know the straits OF the Span
ish army. for have been In Santiago.
| myself have informed General Shat
ter that Toral can muster at most not
more than twelve thousand men. II
that"
Yes. yes" she responded. tapping
her foot impatiently. Il do not come
here to argue, Mr.. Holton. ! tell you
only this: Toral has not surrendered.
because he knows OF the threatened
revolt OF the Cubans against your
men. He is waiting for that TO hap
pen, and will take what advantage
may be gained from the result. This
may be serious. There are six thou
sand Cubans Immediately upon the
field Their attack upon the Ameri-
can flank, coupled with the attack OF
the Spaniards upon the front. will
drive your countrymen to the sea"
Holton shook his head. "Why. Miss
La Tossa, this deed is suicide for
your country. II can mean but one
thing-the wiping out OF the Span
iards and the Cubans. and In the end
the very colonization you dread For
If this happens | cannot see but the
United States will have the best sort
OF objectIesson to show that the last
thing of which you are capable Ia
self-government,"
THAT is true" she agreed. II have
come to realize IL. ! had been led
astray in my views. But now. thanks
to you-and to others-l see more
clearly"
lie looked at her face. dim in the
darkness.
And that is why you wished to
see me?"
Not altogether" she replied.
well, you must hurry. because |
wish to say something to you. too"
he reminded her
The girl moved impatiently toward
him. ITO night wish TO ask you
what | should do about the meeting
| alone OF those not in the conspiracy
know of It. What shall do? Shall
send word to General Garcia? IL
II better that you should inform
Shafter-"
Holton interrupted.
mo, no, not Shafter." he cried "The
Americans must take no action that
might precipitate any sort Of "A fight
with the Cubans."
We'll, Garcia them"
"A fight with the Cuban ranks
would be almost as bad"
That Ia true. What then?
Holton thought moment. Then he
looked up.
IL will 90 to the meeting" he an
nounced
"Youl 1t is impossible. An Ameri-
can officer! No. 1t cannot be-"
Then, what?" Holton's voice was
impatient.
He took from his pocket the cable
dispatch from Washington.
Il have here" he resumed. "a mes
sage from President Mckinley TO Gen.
eral Shafter sent him at my request
II read at the meeting 1t should not
be without effect"
He quoted to her the contents. She
seized the paper and kissed II. Then
she stamped her foot as a sudden
thought took possession OF her mind.
II have IT," she cried. II will 90
10 the meeting myself And ] shall
take this dispatch with me-"