The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1915-08-20

Then he returned TO his own coterle.
These prisoners are to be taken
to Monte Carrena," he advised. "The
commandant has reason to believe
that they are the secret head of the
group which has made US so much
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 tho 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, THIS 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. 1t is a
toilsome ascent to the first approach
"Yes, my love"
Make urgent haste end a great ado
in scaling the incline and in crossing
the bridge"
You have a purpose?"
wait and see," returned Pepina
enigmatically, but with strange hope
fulness OF manner.
The lightly tripping girland her will
ing lover moved up the incline with
the due agility OF youth and purpose.
The accoutrements of the soldiers
mado their progress less rapid. Franco
and Pepina were half way across the
wooden bridge spanning the deep and
turbid Palma before their captors had
completed the ascent to the approach.
Halt" shouted the officer, as he
noted their rapid and suspicious ad-
vance.
run" uttered Pepfna, cor all is
lost!"
Halt, or we will firel" again shout
ed the officer with his men, massing
at the approach to the bridge struc-
ture.
But Just at that moment the girl
and her lover had cleared the bridge.
They stood breathless but safe upon
the descending slope.
What now?" questioned Franco Gu
riously.
I'VE shall see-so!"
Pepina had lifted the flower pot free
from her bosom, where it had nestled.
She raised 1t aloft. He.' vigorous arm
gave it a fling.
It landed directly in the middle Of
the bridge. That frail portion seemed
blown into space. The officer and the
soldiers stood aghast, hewing the gap
in the structure, a yawning abyss be-
meath.
"Quick-no delay!" ordered the spir-
itcd girl at the side Of Sior Franco.
Some shots hurtled harmlessly OYER
their heads, but they were now down
the incline and out Of range of their
recent C.Qtors.
"The flower pot2" began Franco.
wonderingly.
1T served you as signal"
Eyes"
And my dead brother cherished 1t
not only for a patriots flower, but be-
cause within it he had hidden an ex-
plosive projectile, ready for just an
emergency as this" explained Pepina.
"And pursuit is blocked" cried
Franco hopefully.
"By 12 leagues to our friends" sub
mlJJeQ Heplnd. we muSL uOL AuSSA VI
delay.
NO, they may find boat or cross
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,
a fair Italian city, showed in the near
distance at last.
MANY of our friends must have pre-
ceded us" began Franco.
due to the jasmine signal" replied
Pepina. "Ah," she added sorrowfully,
poor, dear flower!"
1T shall be the guerdon of our we'd
ding day." promised Franco tenderly.