Sequachee Valley news. (Sequachee [Sequatchie], Tenn.) 1896-1952, 1914-04-02

ergeeo Lieutenant Mney was attend
ing to many of the executive details.
To this officer Holton made his way.
Did 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 diYed into his tent and emerged
bearing a cable dispatch sent from
Washington via Key West and Guam
tanamo. 1t 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 her proud place
among the republics of America"
| Good" exclaimed Holton, after
reading the message. Nothing am
biguous about that, is there?"
mot a thing" laughed Miley. i
suppose you want this"
at 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 he regarded
the youth with curious eyes,
you make me think very much of
your sister," he said.
do II" The fellow laughed. you
care for my sister, them"
Holton flashed back a quick glance
at the boy. ..
Care for her! Look here, young
ster l care for her so much that If
she doesn't look out Pm going to
be your brother some day"
A laugh broke from La Tossa.
Il have heard her say pretty much
the same thing" he chuckled.
Holton took both his shoulders in
mighty grip.
"You have!" he cried Quick now,
boy, are you joking2"
The other wriggled away and placed
his hand ruefully upon his shoulder.
you needn't crush my bones in,
he grumbled "Of course it's true
Holton leaped upon the pony.
"Come on. Let's go to her." His
tone was as ardent as a cavaliers.
Not now" was the laughing reply.
I'VE must stay here until it is dark"
Young La Tossa pointed toward
crumbling building.
do you notice the peculiar shape
of that roof" he asked. well, l have
an idea you will be in this Vicinity
later If you are, remember the shape
of that roof. Inside that very build
ing" He paused. But my sister
will tell you," he added.
The darkness grew rapidly denser,
until at last 1t was sufficiently black
to suit the wishes of the young Gu
ban. Mounting their ponies, the two
turned in the direction of Santiago,
and had just entered trail leading
through low bushes, covering an i'm
mense area, when a man, gun in hand.
stepped out In front of them.
Holton's revolver leaped from its
holster, but his companion put out a
restraining hand.
well, Pierre?" he asked sharply.
Miss La Tossa," responded the
man, lis here"
A thrill shot through Holton, and
he was on the ground in an instant
The brother followed suit, and the
next instant the form of the girl con-
fronted him.
"Ramon!"
"Ranee!"
AS they embraced it seemed to Hol
ton as though he would give up ten
numbers of his rank as senior lieu
tenant If he could be In the youths
shoes. Moodily he saw the girl re-
garding him with luminous, smiling
eyes.
II am SO happy to know you es-
capped" she began.
Yes, thanks to you," was Holtons
warm reply.
She walked close to him, then
tnrned to her brother and to the Gu
ban.
"Will you please leave US for few