Cheyenne record., 1915-01-28


self. You are in the grip Of great
misunderstanding"
Before Holton's steady, compassion
ate gaze, the girls eyes fell. 1t was as
though some message from the Ameri-
cans heart had reached her. At any
rate. her voice became more gentle.
You must leave me, Lieutenant
Holton," she resumed. I'll"
She paused, realizing what 1t would
mean to have Holton leave her to per-
form her deadly task of shattering the
city and its American occupants. This
thought caused her to reel.
Then, as though with the flashing
swtftness of lightning, she sprang to-
ward the officer and threw one arm
around his neck, the other reaching
over and touching the electric button.
Now, Mr.. Holton," she cried, "if
you move shall press"
Before she could complete her SEN
tence Holton raised his shoulder ever
SO slightly and her finger was thus re-
moved at least an inch out Of reach
of the little knob. She tried to spring
away from him, but Holton held her.
Miss La Tossa," he began, II came
here because l love you-that is my
only thought. 1 love you. l have
loved you since first saw you. l
have spoken to you concerning the
Americans as a man would speak to
the woman he loves. with the whole
truth in my heart. l have talked,
since I saw you this morning, with
scores OF high officers, and I can tell
you that what have already said to
you is the whole truth.
Cuba is certainly and surely to be
left to the Cubans. England, France,
Germany, Italy-all great countries
have been officially assured by the
state department that it is to be. But
first, order must be restored here and
the wheels of government set going.
To that end General Wood is to be ap-
pointed military governor. and in good
time every single American soldier
will leave this island. There is no
doubt about that. All. Miss La Tossa.
believe me! For, as God is my Judge,
have spoken only the truth.
"One moment" as she essayed to
speak. Losing you is a price too
great for me to pay-even when 1t in
wolves saving my countrymen. No, |
cannot lose you-and live. I do not
wish to live. And so-you have not
believed mo. Every look, every word
OF yours tells me you regard me as
liar. So be It,"
He moved away from the push-but-
ton and folded his arms.
You are now at perfect liberty to
press that button. shall not inter-
fere. l shall stay here and die with
you. That is my wish. Life means
nothing now for me-"
A cry Of horror broke from the girl.
She stood swaying, surveying the two
with staring eyes. Her gaze at length
fastened upon Holton, standing there,
his arms folded, his broad shoulders
heaving. his dark. handsome face
turned to her with an expression OF
great tenderness.
Something In his eyes, something
magnetic. the power of his great love
for her. the intensity Of his emotions
rivited her gaze to his face.
Slowly. in spite Of herself, she crept
toward him, fascinated.
Rance! How my arms have ached
for you. How my heart has bled for
you! Rance! Come"
With q low cry the girl sprang to
him. In his powerful arms he caught
her. She looked up at him and kissed
her. Her hands caressed his face.
She drew his head down once more to
her lips.
And thus in the darkness. with po-
tential death all about. love, the con.
queror. triumphed.