Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1913-12-12

cuss several matters, including land
ing-place for the army. You will &C
company me and meet the Cubans." He
paused.
Very good, sir" replied Holton.
when we return you will not return
with us. You will remain with the
Cubans. You will be introduced, not
as q naval officer, but as the CORE
spondent of an English newspaper OF
course you must change your uniform"
Eyes, sir"
while you are with the Cubans 1t is
particularly desirable that you further
the investigations you have made al
ready along the lines of Cuban plots
against our troops, but, above all, |
should consider your service most val
liable IL you could work your way into
Santiago and determine by whatever
means the plans of the Spanish feet.
IF any information comes to you
and you are unable to reach the flag
ship, shall expect you to signal from
any height within sight of my vessel
| shall have man detailed, beginning
tomorrow, to watch for any signals of
the sort from you. Do you quite I'M
derstand everything l have said?"
yes, sir"
Very we'll. If you have time to
change your clothing aboard the Gnat
and join our landing party at the
Seguranca, we'll take you ashore with
us. Otherwise you can go ashore in
your dingey and meet us there"
Holton saluted, paused a moment
as the admiral seemed about to speak,
and then as the commander, with his
half-weary air, turned to sheaf Of
correspondence, Holton left the cabin
and was soon on his way to the Gnat
Here he changed his white uniform
coat for a canvas shooting jacket, his
white trousers for a pair of khaki
breaches and leggins, and, throwing
his cap into a corner, took in its place
a felt campaign hat of the Marine
Corps. Around his waist he strapped
Colt, filled the belt with bullets, and
then went up on deck.
He saw the admfrals gig bounding
toward the headquarters transport,
and was on the point of proceeding to
her himself when upon second thought
he ordered the seaman at the oars to
take him ashore. The tide was low,
and the landing was made without diff
ficulty in beautiful bay.
Holton took pipe from his pocket
and dismissing the dingey, sat down to
wait. The time was not long, for with
in half an hour the officer saw several
four-oarded gigs rounding the stern
of the transport and making shore
ward. AS he arose low whistle sound
ed in the manigua behind him, and as
though by magic two lines of Cuban
soldiers appeared, the officers quite
smartly attired, but the men ragged
and unkempt.
All stood rigid as the white long
boat, with Admiral Sampson in his
spotless duck uniform and Shafter
with his garb of blue and gold, ap-
preached the shore.
AS soon as the landing was made
the officers were placed on animals
brought to carry them, and the trip
through the manigua jungle, and
thence up the mountain trail to Gar
cia's camp began. 1t was a hot, la
borious climb and the uniforms of
some of the officers were not immacu-
late when they finally reached the
headquarters of the Cuban commander
which consisted Of a hut of grass
The conference began at once, while
the men passed among the visitors re-
freshing cups of coconut milk, together
with mangoes and pineapples. Deci-