The Huttig news., 1913-09-27

The assistant secretary paused, and then as Holton made no reply, he con tinued
 We are not yet at war with Spain not yet. and in the meantime l think it will be just as well for you to re- main in fairly close touch with my of- iice-personal touch. By the way, there's a ball at the Willard tonight"
 "A ball" exclaimed Holton. Then he caught himself Yes, sir" he add ed
 Yes, ball at the Willard Here is card-you'll note it is a personal in- vitation to you"
 Holton glanced at it.
 T see it. sir" He hesitated "I am merely, mercy to go there and dance? I mean-mean, sir, are there any instructions?"
 T should keep my eyes and ears open if I were you"
 Yes, sir I'll do that, and I hope I'll be able to be of some service" he was rising to go. Although although I'm afraid I lack-that is. and" Holton paused and glanced irresolutely at his chief
 That you lael. definite information, said the assistant sec. etary, who seem- cd to have the faculty of reading his thoughts and expressing them before Eloiton himself could frame them in suitable. or. we'll say, diplomatic terms.
 Why. yes, sir-I have feeling that the situation is indefinite"
 Yes. Sit down. Mir. Holtons Hol- ton resumed his chair and his chief leaned forward, talking rapidly in a low tone.
 Here is the nub of the situation,' he began. "In the first place we have reason. excellent reasons, for suspect ing that there are certain elements among the Cubans, both in the United States and in Havana, that are strong ly inclined to doubt the good faith of the United States in this brewing trou- ble with Spain.''
 Holton. thrilled by the promise of revelations which these opening words conve- ed, thrilled. also. by his induc- tion into the inner affairs of the gov i ernment mill, flushed and regarded the eyeglasses turned toward him. with unbliuking eyes, impatient for the next word
 Naturally" continued Mir Roose- yelt, the Cubans are eager to avail themselves of our armed forces afoat and ashore. but after the work is all done they want us to clear out Which, If couse. we shall do having first es- i tablished some decent and stable sys- I tenn of government down there."
 T had not any idea our good faith vas in question: observed Holton.
 It is.s was the reply, "and it Is attack upon our troops by Cuban forces after we have cleaned the Span iards out of the island"
 What chaneei" exclaimed Holton, with patriotic fervor.
 The assistant secretary smiled
 T myself regard the project as crack brained in it's conception, but neverthe1ess it exists and must be met. We must learn their plans at all hazards, and I can tell you now that while we have a general idea SIS to the situation, it is little more than gem eral, and details Of a specific nature would be very welcome. I want you to see what you can do. Your record Is that of clear-headsd man of initi- ative and common sense. You speak Spanish, you are equally at home in ballroom or in roughing it. You're the man we want"
 Thank you, sir.'
 "I have been extremely confidential. resumed the assistant secretary, ''as naturally 1t was necessary should be. Any further information I receive from the Secret Service will be transmitted