The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-08-10

bosom.
Get ready to accompany u.s. or
dered the officer grimly. You "an
keep your precious memento," he
sneered, but no delay"
Pepina was clasping the denuded
plant as though it were hurt child
She took her place by the side of bel
lover. The soldiers guarding them
front and rear. they were marched
from the room and into the street.
The official who had arrested them
consulted higher official in command
of troop Of soldiers massed near by
Then he returned to his own coterie
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 waf
begun.
But when we are separated at the
prison" began Franco mournfully.
I'VE shall not be separated If 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 soldier
at that moment prodded him up will
his bayonet, and the colloquy was in
terrupted.
As the little party got beyond thu
edge of the city the leader secured {
piece Of rope and bound one hand O
Franco to that Of Pepina, thus ham
pering any attempt at flight. The roat
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 ,
toilsome ascent to the first approach.
Yes, my love-"
Make urgent haste and great adj
in scaling the incline and in crossin;
the bridge"
you have purpose?'
Wait and see,' returned Pepin
nv,it ,tr
| fulness of manner.
The lightly tripping girl and her will
ing lover moved up the incline will
the due agility of youth and purpose
The accoutrements of the soldiers
made their progress less rapid. Franc,
and Pepina were half way across tn
wooden bridge spanning the deep an,
turbid Palma before their captors ha
completed the ascent to the approach
Halt" shouted the officer, as h
noted their rapid and suspicious ad
vance.
Rum" uttered Pepina. "or all 1
LOST"
Halt, or we will fret" again shout
ed the officer with his men, massin
at the approach to the bridge strue
ture.
But just at that moment the cir
and her lover had cleared the bridge
They stood breathless but safe upo
the descending slope.
What now" questioned Franco CT
riously.
I'VE shall see-so!"
Pepina had lifted the flower pot fire.
from her bosom, where it had nestled
She raised 1t aloft. Her vigorous arr
gave 1t q fling.
1t landed directly in the middle Q
the bridge. That frail portion SCENE
blown into space. The officer and tn
soldiers stood aghast, viewing the ga
in the structure, q yawning abyss b,
meath.
"Quick-no delay" ordered the spi
tied girl at the side of Sior Franco.
Some shots hurtled harmlessly owe
their heads, but they were now dow
the incline and out of range Of thei
recent captors.
The flower pot?" began France
wonderingly.
1T served you as a signal"
YES"
And my dead brother cherished
not only for a patriots flower, but b.
cause within it he had hidden an e,
plosive projectile, ready for just a
emergency as this" explained Pepin,
And pursuit Is blocked" erie
Franco hopefully.
by IL leagues to our friends" sui
mitted Pepina. I'VE must not linger q
delay.
mo, they may find a boat or cross
ford" added Franco.
Amid the promise of sure safet
ahead, the twain were inspired wit
new courage and perseverance.
The lights Of their haven Of refug
a fair Italian city, showed in the mes
distance at last.
Many of our friends must have DR.
ceded US" began Franco.
Due to the jasmine signal" reptile
Pepina. "Ah," she added sorrowfull
poor, dear flower!"
1T shall be the guerdon Of our we
ding day." promised Franco tenderl