Rocky Ford enterprise., 1915-02-19
CHAPTER XIV.
A Sweet Parting.


arms about Holton's neck. There was
no mistaking the intentions of Ces-
nola and neither was there any pos
sibility of misunderstanding the hold
which the spy had gained over these
men.
Holton, pale but determined. sought
to disengage the girls hands, while
the men dragged gently at her arms.
At this juncture a stern voice arose
above the confusion.
Men, put up your weapons. What
is this?"
General Garcia. accompanied by sew
eral of his staff, broke through the
group OF Cubans and stopped near the
little knot about Holton and the girl.
"Garcia!" A cheer arose. but the
general stilled 1t with his hand.
Men," he said. Il have been a wit
sure you that your fusillade will be
unnecessary, because 1t will not be
needed. Your plot. beg to assure
you, has failed. Senior Cesnola."
He beckoned two of his staff, who
advanced and placed their hands upon
the spy's shoulders. He was trembling
now, and words failed his parched
tongue.
The general waved his hand imperi-
ously.
"You gentlemen will return to your
commands. Every one of you. Mr..
Holton. you will go back to your
camp-I am glad to have been of
service to you. Miss La Tossa will
20 ha- ctat nj
there. As for you"-he faced Ces-
nola-"T shall deal with you tomor-
row. Take him to my headquarters
and let him be closely confined"
Several soldiers stepped forward
and hastily bound the spy's arms.
Miss La Tossa ran up and kissed the
general on the cheek. He patted her
shoulder with paternal affection.
Then. calling two of his men. he di-
rected them to escort the girl through
the secret trail to her fathers estate.
When Holton awoke Garcia had left
the tent, but he soon returned, and
with smile asked his guest how he
had slept. Holton thanked him, and
assured him his slumber had been
sound.
AS they talked thus an officer ap-
peared. and. saluting, addressed Gar
cia formally.
THE prisoner has no complaint to
make of your decision. but asks your
| leniency in one respect"
"In what respect?" asked the gen.
eral
| He asks that he may be shot in
stead of hanged"
| Garcia reflected moment Then
he made a little gesture.
Very WE'LL" he decided at length.
The officer saluted and walked hasti-
ly away.
Who was the prisoner" asked Hol-
ton.
Jose Cesnola," was the reply.
Hardly had he spoken when the
whiplike report of several rifles broke
the silence of this beautiful sunlit
morning. Garcia lowered his head
Holton looked vacantly into space.
And SO. he thought. has passed the
waiter of the New Willard.
Holton's return to the American
trenches was signalized by an honor
that brought adequate reward. with
interest, for all that he had gone
through. This was a dispatch for him
from the secretary of the navy an.
nouncing his advancement ten mum
bers for meritorious service at Tampa
and containing also information that
congress had voted him the congress
sional medal of honor for gallantry in
notifying the North Atlantic squadron
of the intentions of Cervera's squad
ron.
An event of the next day was the
return of Hobson from Santiago, In
company with six sailors who hat
been captured with him. Holtor
pressed forward and Joined in the
cheers of the regulars as this quiet
faced young man rode through theil
ranks on the way to Siboney after ar
Imprisonment of more than five weeks
He had performed a deed of sig
nal gallantry, deed which will live
as long as the annals of the American
navy live, and as the years go will
grow only the brighter.
The days went on. 1t now seemed
assured that the surrender was but {
matter of short time. and Holtor
spent the period In enjoying a well
earned rest.
At length, on July 10, General Tora
and his staff rode out to San Juan tc
where General Shafter and Genera
Miles and their STATS awaited him un
der the famous tree. The meeting
was very picturesque, and dignity
marked the demeanor of all concerned
After a long discussion General To
raj and his officers turned and rode to
ward the city. and the American gen