The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-08-11

plant as though it were hurt chiid
She took her place by the side OF mel
lover. The soldiers guarding them
front and rear. they were marcheo
from the room and into the street.
The official who had arrested them
consulted a higher official in command
/. of a troop of soldiers massed near ny'
Then he returned to his own coterie.
These prisoners are to be taken
IN Monte Carrena," he advised. The
commandant has reason to believe
that they are the secret head OF the
sroup which has made us so mucn
trouble. They are to be state prison
ers. Pouf." and the facetious official
drew his hand across his throat as II
to Indicate a sure execution.
Let me keep close to you, whis-
pered Pepina as the long tramp was
begun.
But when we are separated at the
prison." began Franco mournfully.
I'VE shall not be separated II you
will be alert" assured Pepina mysteri.
ously. Hush, the soldiers are watch
ing US. When we near the old wooden
bridge crossing the Palma, be Wig
! liant
What mean you?" began Franco
wonderingly. but one of the soldiers
at that moment prodded him up with
his bayonet, and the colloquy was in.
| terrupted.
As the little party got beyond the
edge OF the city the leader secured a
piece Of rope and bound one hand of
Franco to that of Pepina. thus ham.
pering any attempt at flight. The road
! was deserted and the soldiers allowed
the twain to proceed in advance while
they struggled on behind.
Franco" suddenly whispered. Pc.
pima.
MY treasured"
I'VE are nearing the bridge. It is q
toilsome ascent to the first approach
Eyes, my love-"
Make urgent haste and a great ado
In scaling the incline and in crossing
the bridge"
"You have a purpose?"
wait and see," returned Pepine
systematically, but with strange hope
fitness of manner.
The lightly tripping girl and her will
ing lover moved up the incline with
the due agility of youth and purpose
The accoutrements of the soldiers
made their progress less rapid. Franco
and Pepina were half way across the
wooden bridge spanning the deep and
turbid Palma before their captors hai
completed the ascent to the approach
Halt" shouted the officer, as he
noted their rapid and suspicious ad
vance.
''Run." uttered Pepina. cor all 1.
LOST"
Halt, or we will fre!" again shout
ed tho officer with his men, massine
at the approach to the bridge struc
ture.
But just at that moment the cir
and her lover had cleared the bridge
They stood breathless but safe upor
the descending slope.
What now" questioned Franco Gu
riously.
! I'VE shall see-so!"
Pepina had lifted the flower pot fret
from her bosom, where it had nestled
She raised it aloft. Her vigorous arm
gave 1t fling.
It landed directly in the middle Of
the bridge. That frail portion seemed
blown into space. The officer and the
soldiers stood aghast, viewing the gar
in the structure. q yawning abyss be
meath.
"Quick-no delay!" ordered the spir
tied girl at the side Of Sior Franco.
Some shots hurtled harmlessly ovel
their heads. but they were now dowr
the incline and out Of range of theil
recent captors.
THE flower pot?" began Franco
wonderingly.
1T served you as a signal"
Eyes,"
And my dead brother cherished Il
not only for patriots flower, but be
cause within it he had hidden an ex
plosive projectile, ready for just ar
emergency as this" explained Pepina
And pursuit Is blocked!" criet
Franco hopefully.
by IL leagues to our friends" sub
mitted Pepina. I'VE must not linger OF
delay.
mo, they may find boat or cross 9
ford" added Franco.
Amid the promise of sure safety
ahead. the twain were inspired with
new courage and perseverance.
The lights of their haven of refuge
fair Italian city, showed in the neal
distance at last.
Many Of our friends must have pre-
coded us" began Franco.
Due to the jasmine signal" replied
Pepina. "Ah." she added sorrowfully
poor, dear flower,"
1T shall be the guerdon Of our wed
| ding day" prOmiSad Er,pn tordz-l-