Rocky Ford enterprise., 1915-02-05

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 message from the Presi-
dent disclaiming any idea of holding
and anneXing Cuba after the close of
by Shafter, or rather by his aide. why
Holton profrered the request.
Now. in reply to his question, the
aide dived 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
hosttlites 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 thing" laughed Miley. Il
suppose you want this"
ut 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.
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, then"
Holton flashed back a quick glance
at the boy.
"Care for her! Look here. young
ster. care for her so much that II
she doesn't look out I'm going to
be your brother some day."
A laugh broke from La Tossa.
II have heard her say pretty much
the same thing" he chuckled.
Holton took both his shoulders In
a mighty grip.
| "You have!" he cried. Quick now.
boy. are you joking?"
The other wriggled away and placed
his hand ruefully upon his shoulder.
| "You needn't crush my bones in. u
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 cavaliers.
mot now" was the laughing reply
"we must stay here until it is dark. :
| Young La Tossa pointed toward 9
crumbling building.
DO you notice the peculiar shape
of that roof?" he asked. well. have
an idea you will be in this vicinity
later. II 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 a trail leading
through low bushes. covering an i'm
| IN n, n
stepped out In front of them.
Holton's revolver leaped from its
holster, but his companion put out q
restraining hand.
well, Pierre?" he asked sharply
Miss La Tossa." responded the
man. "is 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 1t seemed to Hol.
ton as though he would give up ten
numbers of his rank as senior lieu
tenant II he could be in the youths
shoes. Moodily he saw the girl re.
garding him with luminous. smiling
eyes.
81 am SO happy to know you es-
caped." she began.
Yes, thanks to you," was Holton's Is
warm reply.
She walked close to him. then
turned to her brother and to the Gu
ban.
VIII you please leave US for a few