Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-08-05
ceoyrish.. :, H.spsr end Bss.A..,
"A NOVEL.
BY REX BEACH

The retreating Cubans still main
tained their uproar, discharging their
rifles into the air, shrieking defiance at
their invisible foes, and volcing insult
ing Invitations to combat. This ferocity,
however. served only to terrify further
the civil population and to close the
shutters Of San Antonio the tighter.
Meanwhile, the loyal troops remained
safely in their blockhouses, pouring
steady fire into the town. And despite
this admirable display Of courage the
visitors showed deep respect for their
enemies craftsmanship, taking advan-
tage Of whatever shelter there was.
The raiders had approached San An
tonic De los Ilanos across the fields at
the rear. but Colonel Lopez led their
retreat by why Of the canine real
which followed the river bank. This
road for short distance. was exposed
to the, IRE from one pott:: then It was
sheltered by q bit a rising ground.
OReilly, among the last to cross the
zone Of dire, was just ,.ongratulating
himself upon the fortunate outcome Of
the skir1nish when he, saw Colonel Lo-
pex ride to tho crest Of . knoll, rise In
his stirrups ana. liftins his cuppsd
hands to his lips, direct loud shout
back toward the town. Lopez was fol-
lowed by several Of his men. who like.
wise began to yell and to wave their
arms excitedly.
Johnnie turned to discover that Les-
lie Branch had Rugged far behind, and
now, as II to cap his fantastic perform
,ances, had dismounted and was de-
scending the river bank to q place
where large washing had been spread
upon the stones to dry. He was quite
exposed, and spiteful crackle from the
nearest blockhouse showed that the
Spaniards were determined to bring
him down. Afauser bullets ricocheted
among the rocks-even from this dis
lance their sharp explosions were audi
lble-others broke the surface Of the
stream into little geysers, as II a school
of fish were leaping.
i When johnnie looked on In breath.
less apprehension Branch appropriated
several suits that promised to at him;
then he climbed up the bank. remount-
ed his horse, and ambled slowly out Of
range.
Now this was precisely the sort OF
jharebrained exploit which delights 4
Cuban audience. When Leslie re-
Joined his comrades, therefore, he was
greeted with shouts and cheers.
"Caramba He would risk his life
for clean shirt. -. There's fell
low for you! He enjoys the hum Of
these Spanish bees! Bravo!
Tell us what the bullets said to you"
they cried, crowding around him in nm
admiring circle.
O'Reilly, unable to contain himself,
burst forth in rage: Lopez ought to
court-martial you"
Infatuated, he rode over to- where
Captain Judson was engaged in max
ing a litter upon which to carry the
sick prisoner they had rescued from
the Jail. "This chap here Is all In"
said Judson. I'm afraid we aren't go
ing to get him through"
Following Judson's glance. O'Reilly
beheld an emaciated figure lying in the.
shade Of nearby guava BUSH. The
man was clad In filthy rags, his face
was dirty and overgrown with a
months beard; pair Of restless eyes
stared unblinkingly at the brazen sky.
His lips were moving; from them is
sued steady patter Of words but 9TH
erwise he showed no sign Of life.
"You said he was starving" Johnnie
dismounted and lent Judson hand
with his task.
I that's what thought at first, but
he's sick. suppose It's that internal
dungeon fever. We can swing him be-
tween our horses, and"
: Judson looked up to discover that
Johnnie was poised rigidly, his mouth
open, his hands halted in midair. The
sick mans voice had risen, and O'Reil-
", with . peculiar expression Of
amazement upon his face, was strain
ing his ears to hear what he said.
"Eh? What's the matter?" Judson
inquired.
For a moment O'Reilly remained
frozen in his attitude, then without a
word he strobe to the sufferer. He bent
forward, staring into the vacant, up
turned face. A cry burst from his
throat, cry that was like sob, and,
kneeling, he gathered tie frail, filthy
figure into his arms.
J "Esteban!" he cried. "Esteban! This