The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-08-13

Feplna was clasplng the denuded
plant as though it were a hurt child
She took her place by the side of her
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 was
begun.
But when we are separated at the
prison" began Franco mournfully.
We 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 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 a
toilsome ascent to the first approach"
Yes, my love-"
Make urgent haste and a great ado
In scaling the incline and in crossing
the bridge
You have purpose"
wait and see,' returned Pepina
enigmatically, but with strange hope
fulness 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 had
completed the ascent to the approach.
Haiti" shouted the officer. as he
noted their rapid and suspicious ad-
vance.
Run" uttered Pepina, "or all is
LOST"
Halt, or we will fret" again shout
ed tho 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 it aloft. Her vigorous arm
gave 1t a fling.
1t landed directly in the middle Of
the bridge. That frail portion seemed
blown into space The officer and the
soldiers stood aghast, viewing the gap
in the structure. q yawning abyss be.
meath.
"Quick-no delay!" ordered the spir-
tied girl t\the side of sior Franco.
Some shots hurtled harmlessly over
their heads, but they were now down
the incline and out Of range of their
recent captors.
THE flower pot?" began Franco,
wonderingly.
1T served you as q signal"
YES"
And my dead brother cherished 1t
not only for 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 IL leagues to our friends" sub
mitted Pepina. I'VE must not linger or
delay.
mo. they may find boat or cross a
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 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
Prose Poem on Mackerel.
can't overemphasize the beauty of
fhosp fisb Won must 500 Thorn for