Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1918-06-06

that denim-clad f1gu!.e out yonder In
the trampled garden, he knew that Sc
rious consequences would follow. The
volunteers were r~evengeful; their
colonel was not the sort Of man to
forgive a deep humiliation. Doubt
less he would put a price upon the
heads Of all Of them, and certainly he
would never allow them another en-
counter upon anywhere like ever
terms. Then, too, the narrownes Of
Rosa's escape caused the boys heart
to dissolve with terror.
After a conference with Asensio he
decided that they must prepare for
flight, and late that afternoon they all
set out to seek a safer refuge, Evange-
lima in tears at leaving her precious
garden plot. Their led horse, one of
those Lorenzo had captured, carried
a pitifully light burden-only some
tools, some pans and kettles, and a roll
Of charred bedclothes.
X
Johnnie O'Reilly had no difficulty in
locating the residence of Ignacio Alva-
RADIO, but to communicate with him
was quite another matter, inasmuch
as his every step vas logged by that
persistent shadow from Nuevitas.
One evening, several days after his
arrival, a sudden rain storm drove
O'Reilly indoors, and as he assembled
to his room he saw that the lamp N
m hallway flared and smoked at ev-
cry gust Of wind. 1t was very dark
outside; he reasoned that the streets
would be deserted. Hastily securing
that book which Alvarado, the dentist,
had given him, he took a position close
inside his door. When he heard the
spy pass and enter the next chamber
he stole out into the hall and breathed
into the lamp chimney. A moment
later he was safely through the win
dow and was working his way down
the shed roof, praying that his move
ments had not been seen and that the
tiles were firm. He nimbly scaled the
wall, crossed an in%closure, climbed a
second wall, and descended into a dark
side street. Taking advantage Of the
densest shadows and the numerous
overhanging balconies, he set out at a
brisk trot.
A light showed through the barred
windows of the Alvarado home, indi-
eating that the family was in. After
some fumbling O'Reilly laid hold of
the latch; then, without knocking, he
opened the front door and stepped in.
His sudden appearance threw the
occupants into alarm: a woman cried
out sharply; a man whom O'Reilly
identified as Ignacio Alvarado himself
leaped to his feet and faced him, ex-
claiming:
"Who are you?"
"Im q friend. Don't be alarmed"
Johnnie summoned his most agreeable
smile, then he extended the sodden
package he had carried beneath his
arm. II come from your brother
Tomas. He asked me to hand you
this book and to say that he is return
ing it with his thanks"
"What are you saying?" Plainly the
speaker did not comprehend; there
was nothing but apprehension in his
voice.
O'Reilly tore the wet paper from the
volume and laid it in Alvarado's hand.
"Look at it, please, and you'll under
stand. I didn't take time to knock, for
fear I might be followed"
Alvarado stared first at the book,
then at his caller. After a moment he
made a sign to his wife, who left the
room. Wetting his lips, he inquired,
with an effort, "What do you want?"
O'Reilly told him in a few words.
Alvarado showed relief; he even
smiled. II see, but-Caramba! You
gave me a start. And this book! Ha !!
Tomas will have his jokes. 1t is we'll
you took precautions, for I am under
surveillance. I'll help you, yes! But
you must not come here again. Return
to your hotel and Let me think"
Senior Alvarado frowned in deepest
thought; then he said: II have it Ev-
cry morning at half past nine a man
wearing a Panama. hat and a gray
necktie with a large gold pin will pass
along the sidewalk, across the street
from the Isla de Cuba. You will
know him. One day, I cannot promise
how soon, he will lift his hat thus, and
wipe his face. You understand? Good.
Follow him He will give you final di-
rections. You know Manin, the drug
gist? Well, you a talk to him, and
he will keep you posted as to our prog
ress. Now go before someone comes"
O'Reilly wrung the Cuban's hand.
Then he stepped out into the night,
leaving a pool of water on the clean
blue, tiles where he had stood.
tContinuad Next Week)