The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1918-07-25


pleasant thing, but you journalists
have magnified its horrors and mis-
represented the cause of Spain until
you threaten to bring on another and
a more horrible combat. Now, then.
you understand what I mean when l
say that you are more dangerous than
a powder expert; that your pen can
do more injury, can cause the death
of more Spanish troops than could a
regiment of Americans with dynamite.
Your English friend makes no secret
of his business, so we shall escort him
to Neuvitas and see him safely out Of
the country, once for ALL"
"And yet you permit me to remain"
Johnnie was surprised.
For the present, yesi That is my
official message to you. Privately,
hOwever'-the speaker eyed O'Reilly
with a discOncerting expression-''I
would like to warn you. You are a
bright fellow, and you have way with
yOu-there's no denying it. Under
other conditions it would be a pleas
ure to know you better. It grieveS me,
therefore, to warn you that your fur
Their stay in Cuba will not be-pleas-
ant 1 almost regret that there is no
conclusive evidence against you; it
would so simplify matters. Come, now,
hadn't you better acknowledge that I
have guessed your secret?"
O'Reilly's perplexity was changing
to dismay, for it seemed to him he
was being played with; nevertheless,
he shook his head ST would only be
deceiving you, SIR he said.
General Antuna sighed. 'sThen I
see embarrassments ahead for both of
u.s."
More arreStS?"
Not necessarily. Understand me,
speak as one gentleman to another,
but-yOu must have noticed that Amer
leans are unpopular with our troops
Eth? They are impulSive, these troop
ers; accidents cannot be prevented.
Suppose something should happen to
you? There is the trouble. You came
to Cuba to enjoy its climate; you can
not be expected to remain indoors. OF
course not. Well! Among our SOL
diers are many new recruits, patriotic,
enthusiastic young fellows, but-care-
less. They are wretchedly unproficient
markSmen, and they haven't learned
the danger of prOmiscuOus rifle fire.
| They are forever shooting at things,
merely to score a hit. Would you be-
lieve it? Oh, have to discipline them
frequently To think OF you being
abroad through the streets, therefore,
worries me intensely. Suppose you
should be found dead some day. I'm
agine my feelings" The speakers
| tone and expression were eloquent of
concern. ''How could fix the respon-
sibility?"
'By having me followed, as usual,
I dare say" O'ReilIy said bitterly.
"Oh, you will of course be Swallowed
day and night; in fact, to be quite sure
of your-er-safety, shall ask you TO
permit one of my men to accompany
| you everywhere and even to share your
room. We shall try never to lose sight
of you, depend upon 1t. I wish you
could find another climate equally ben
eficial to your rheumatism. 1t would
lift a great load from my mind" The
speaker paused hopefully; that same
sardOnic flicker was on his lips
Johnnie could not summon an an
swering smile, for his heart was like
lead. He realized now the utter fulfil
fty Of resistance: he knew that to
remain in Puerto Principe after this
thinly yelled warning would be to
court destruction-and destruction OF
a shocking character against which II
would be impossible to guard. After
a moment of thought he said gravely
81 appreciate the delieacy OF your
consideration, sir, and-I shall CO."
General Antuna leaped to his feet
| his grim face alight; striding to
| O'Reilly. he pressed his hands-he
seemed upon the point of embracing
him. ST thank your he cried. ''You
render me supreme service See, ]
breathe easy. Permit me to offer you
refreshment-one Of our famous Span
ish wines. No? Then the best cigar
in all Cubal'
O'Reilly was escorted to the railway
station at daylight. He and Branch
took their seats and their guards flied
in behind them. He cursed saVagely
the memory OF these wasted weeks
the narrow margin of his failure, filled
him with a sick feeling OF dismay and
impotence.
In marked contrast to the difficulties
OF entering Cuba was the ease of Ieav
Ing 1t. A ship was sailing from Neuvi
tas on the very afternoon when ths
two Americans arrived. and they were
hurried aboard. Not until the anchor
was up did their military escort de
part from them.
With angry, brooding eyes O'Reiny
| no Tff&o A..
! v~--<o-. f-o-,A |--s-sl'~ o--a- 49, -a-