Cheyenne record., 1915-01-14


been weaving among the officers Of
the Cuban army.
Brothers" he began, II came here
tonight to counsel prudence, and. in
fact, I do SO counsel you now."
Holton's face filed with amaze
ment. What was he getting at? In
q few moments he found out
II. do most earnestly counsel pru-
dence." he continued. There are
things that must be borne. The SOL
diers Of the United States have come
here. Well. good. We brought them
here. At least, so It would appear.
"Of course, we believe that these
men were sent here because Of the
great yearning Of the United States
to see us free, unshackled country.
And SO they have come down here to
set us free, and then, having done so.
to retire with blessing. and to con-
template with pride the growth Of
tine republic. free and untrammeled.
so much we know. The Spaniards
will be driven from the island. and
then will these Americans turn to US
and say. Behold. here is your coun-
try: take 1t and develop 1t, and make
1t great, and may God be with you
So say prudence.
But, on the other hand, there are
some of US who may possess we'll
formed doubts as to the truth Of the
beautiful word picture have painted
for you. Yes, there are many who
doubt damnably. Has the United
States ever been known to talk one
| way and act another? To those who
| know the political history of that
great nation, need say no more. To
those who do not, say that govern
mental policies in the United States
are tickle jades, blown willy-nilly by
the winds Of public opinion-they are
valueless as things to depend upon:
they are trivial even to consider. And
yet"-he raised his hand to still ris-
ing growl Of voices-"and yet, still l
counsel prudence"
"Why?" roared a hoarse voice from
the darkness.
| why? l can answer you simply.
Because we are weak. We have been
in the field fighting for several years.
But we are not soldiers. At least, the
Americans say so. You have heard
them One moment" as the murmur
arose again. "Oh, no. we are not
soldiers. But the Americans are. We
know that. They are soldiers who
have sold cloth and beans and sugar,
and perchance may have sold guns!
And SO they are soldiers-soldiers
that we do well to fear. So again l
advise prudence, always prudence.
IF they leave US our country, good;
but If they elect to retain 1t as an
other of their possessions, why, good,
also. For what can we do? They
will be kind to US. They will feed
us SO that we do not starve, and they
will put trolley-cars-"
A fierce yell Interrupted him, and,
although he raised his hand. he could
not again regain attention. Nor had
he need to. He had done his work
and done 1t we'll.
One man arose, holding aloft .
sword.
my countrymen," he yelled, 'if by
tomorrow night l have not plunged
this into the breast of five Americans,
l shall plunge 1t into my own throat"
A wild cheer greeted his words.
Then came lull suddenly, as though
the men were seeking outlet for their
emotions. And Cesnola was there to
give it to them.
| He held out his hand All eyes
were fastened on him. The first word
| had fallen from his mouth when the
voice of woman, raised in thrilling
cadence, wiped additional utterance
from the spy's lips.
As Holton looked the girl sprang
to the speakers side and held out
her hand. And as she stood thus. the
naval officer never forgot the picture.
my countrymen," she cried at
length, Il have listened to all who
have spoken, and I have observed you.
I have wondered whether the fever
has got into your brains, and whether
you are children led hither and thither
| by the idle words of plotters."
Cesnola sprang in front of her and
pushed her roughly aside.
Il resent this intrusion!" he shout
ed. Il resent the presence of this
| woman"
What more he would have said may
only be surmised, for the girl, her eyes
| blazing, turned to the audience, and,
with finger quivering at the spy, she
said:
THAT man pushed me, my country
men. Is there no one to avenge me?"
Her voice was quiet, almost unemo-
tional, and she looked calmly around