Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1918-08-09


how to obey orders even though NE
other members Of his party did not
He remained utterly deaf to Miss Ev-
ans entreatieS that he let her know
something about the plans of the ex.
petition; he would not even tell her
where he al taking her, where the
other flllbusterS had assembled, or
from what port their ship would sail.
When Philadelphia. Washington, then
Baltimore, and finally Richmond were
left behind, Miss Evans was, in truth.
ready to explode, and her two compan-
ions were in 4 similar frame of mind.
1t was not until the train was ap.
preaching Charleston that Major Ra.
mos finally announced: This is the
end of our journey; the other men,
bors of the expedition are here. But l
must nsk you not to talk with them
or with any strangers, for our friends
are being watched by detectives in the
employ Of the Spanish minister ut
Washington and by United States dep
uty marshals. One little indiscretlon
might ruin everything"
The hotel to which Major Ramos
led his guests appeared to be we'll
filled; there were many Cubans In the
lobby, and the air va heavy with the
aroma Of their strong, black cigarettes,
AS the major entered they turned In,
terested and expectant faces toward
him and they eyed his companions with
frank curiosity. Miss Evans became
the target for more than one warmly
admirlng glance.
AS for O'Reilly, the familiar odor Of
those Cuban cigarettes the snatches of
Spanish conversation which he over
heard, awoke in him a great excite
ment; he realized with an odd thrill
that these eager, dark-visaged men
were nov his friends and comrades,
and that those Americans lettering
watchfully among them were his enc
mles-the spies Of whom Ramos had
spoken. There were Mt least a score Of
the latter, and all were plainly
stamped with the distinctive marks Of
their calling. That they, too, were In.
terested In the latest arrivals was oon
made evident by their efforts to get
acquainted.
On the next afternoon word was qui.
city passed to get ready, and the fill.
busters, carrying their scant hand
baggage, began to leave the hotel in
groups, followed. Of course, by the
watchful spies.
AS the three Americans prepared for
departure Norine whispered: "Llsten
Everything Is all right. We're not go
ing aboard the Dauntless at all !: she's
here as q blind"
"Are you sureT' O'Rellly shot hel
a quick glance.
Major Ramos himself gave that
story to the newspapers; It's oil q part
Of his plan. l promised not to tell.
butt just can't help myself. Geel
I'm having a good time"
Leslie Branch shook his head mourn.
fully. "You may enjoy 1t, but I DON'T"
he grumbled. Well end 1t by being
pinched, and that will finish me. Ons
week in a damp cell, with my lungs
O'Reilly, whose spirits had risen
magically, clapped him heartily on the
back, crying: Congratulations You're
feeling better"
II never felt worse" the other com
planned.
"Nonsensel That's the first klcl
you've made since we hit cold weather,
By the time we reach Cuba you'll b
nice and melancholy and your cough
will be all gone"
Ramos led his three charges to the
railroad station and into the reaI
coach Of a south-bound train, whers
the other members Of the expedition
had already found seats. AS they
climbed aboard q secret service agent
essayed to follow them, but he was
stopped by a brakeman, who snid:
"You can't ride In here; this Is q
special car. Some sort of a picnic
party. They're 'wops' or Greeks OF
something"