The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1914-03-06

way Is clear I feared he was below
1t Is all right Come"
Something in the fellows manner
made Holton's obedience implicit.
Without a word he followed the man.
The Cuban had lighted a candle. Fol-
lowing the light, Holton could see a
long tunnel opening before him. In
the apartment itself were several cleo
trical appliances, and a push button
was in the wall.
Holton marveled greatly at what he
was going through, but the man he
had seen with Miss La Tossa was up
permost In his mind.
II thought that fellow, Cesnola, was
dead" he said tensely.
For the man with the girl was none
other than that of the omnipresent and
apparently immortal waiter of the
New Willard.
Pierra laughed without mirth.
THE man is a devil" he replied.
THE firing party at his execution was
selected by an officer friendly to him.
They shot over his head. He pretend
ed death. Thus he escaped. General
Garcia was tricked by his own men"
Holton nodded.
But what is the meaning of all
these instruments" he asked. And
why have you brought me here?"
The man faced Holton gravely.
This tunnel" he answered, leads
under the heart Of Santiago. At short
distances 1t is packed with dynamite
This key will release the spark that
sets 1t of. 1t Is the plan that the city
and che American soldiers shall be
blown to pieces, after which, the
Cuban soldiers now gathered on the
secret trail, leading into the town, will
rush In and assume control"
And Miss La Tossa?" he asked
quaveringly.
"Senorita has been selected to
press the button. l have brought you
here to stop her. To save the city. to
save the Americans, to save herself,
for when that button Is pressed she
dies here" Pierre sank on his knees.
."oh, Mr.. Holton, save her! She loves
you. You love her! Save her. You
can, and you alone can"
Holton struck the man on the shout
der and his voice was stern.
II will save her." he paused. 80
help me, Pierre, will"
The candle was blown out and the
two waited In the darkness.
But why" whispered Holton, has
Miss La Tossa volunteered for this
work."
Because" was the reply, "the per
son who presses that button will never
leave this place. 1t Is intended that 1t
shall be destroyed 50 that no trace of
the mystery will ever be found"
Holton's heart grew sick Undoubted-
ly the girl, in her blind, patriotic fury,
had come forward az martyr to give
her life for the country she loved.
At the moment there was the sound
Of a lock turning and then the door
creaked. Holton and Pierre were lying
behind some wine.casks. The next
instant they knew the girl was In the
apartment with them.
They heard match strike. Evi-
IDENTIFY she had lighted lantern, for q
soft yellow glow filed the place. And
now Holton, peering through q crack
between two casks. saw her.
Holton arose silently and stole to q
position directly In front of the switch
key. When she returned she found
him there with arms folded, standing
as immobile as statue.
She did not scream. Her lips parted
and she stood still, staring at him with
dilated eyes. So they stood for the
space Of minute. To Holton 1t
seemed an eternity. Then she spoke.
"You!" Her voice was deep, but ex-
pressionless.
1T is l, Miss La Tossa," responded
Holton.
"Why-why have you come here?"
Il have come to save you from your
self. You are In the grip of a great
misunderstanding"
Before Holton's steady, compassion
ate gaze, the girls eyes fell. 1t was as
though some message from the Ameri-
cans heart had reached her. At any
rate, her voice became more gentle.
you must leave me, Lieutenant
Holton," she resumed. IL"
She paused, realizing what 1t would
mean to have Holton leave her to per-
form her deadly task of shattering the
city and It's American occupants. This
thought caused her to reel.
Then, as though with the flashing
swiftness of lightning. she sprang to-
ward the officer and threw one arm
around his neck, the other reaching
over and touching the electric button.
Now, Mr.. Holton," she cried, ''if
you move ! shall press"
Before she could complete her SEN
tence Holton raised his shoulder ever
80 slightly and her finger was thus re-
moved at least an inch out of reach
Of the little knob. She tried to spring
away from him, but Holton held her
Miss La Tossa," he began, Il came
here because / love you--that is my
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