Tombstone epitaph., 1915-08-22

Get ready to accompany us." or. dered the oficer grimly. You can keep your precious memento." he snSered. but no delay" Pepina was clasping 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 CTS. Pouf!" and the facetious official drew his hand across his throat as if 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 Pe- pima.
 My treasure,"
 We 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 a purpose7'
 Wait and see,' returned Pepina enigmatically. but with strange hope fitness 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.
 Halt" shouted the officer, as he noted their rapid and suspicious ad- vance.
 "Run." uttered Pepina. "or all Is lost"
 Halt, or We will fire," 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. SlOOu ulcdtHlts5 DuL 5dAc ApOu the descending slope.
 What now?" questioned Franco cu- riously.
 We shall see-so,"
 Pepina had lifted the flower pot free from her bosom. where 1t had nestled. She raised 1t aloft Her vigorous arm gave it fling.
 It 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. a yawning abyss be- meath.
 "Quick-no delay" ordered the spir- ited girl at 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.
 Tt served you as a signal"
 "Yes."
 not only for patriots flower. but be- cause within 1t he had hidden an ex- plosive projectile. ready for just an emergency as this" explained Pepina-
 And pursuit is blocked!" cried Franco hopefully.
 By I2 leagues to our friends" sub mitted Pepina. We must not finger or delay.
 No. they may find a 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 fower!"
 Tt shall be the suer1on of our we'd ding day" promised Franco tenderly.