Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1918-12-19

going TO help me buy my tropical out
fit"
With a smile and a nod at Enriquez
she took O'Reilly's arm apd bore him
away.
The days of idle waiting that fol
lowed were trying. even to one OF
O'Reilly's philosophical habit Of mind.
He could learn nothing about the jun
ta's plans. and, owing to his complete
uncertainty. he was unable TO get
work.
At last there came message which
brought them great joy. Enriquez d.
rected them TO be In readiness to leave
Jersey City at seven O'Clock the follow
ing morning. Neither Johnnie nor Les
lie Branch slept much that night.
AS they waited In the huge, barnlike
station Enrlquez appeared with Norine
Evans upon his arm. The girls color
was high; she was tremulous with ex-
element. Leslie Branch. who saw her
for the first time. emitted low whistle
Of surprise.
GLORY be, That goddess !" he cried.
When Norlne took his bony. blood
less hand lin her warm grasp and
flashed him her frank. friendly smile,
he capltulated instantly.
Enriquez was introducing new
conner now, one Major Ramos, a
square-jawed forceful Cuban. who, it
seemed. was to be In command Of the
expedition.
MY duties end here" Enriquez ex-
planned. Major Ramos will take
charge of you. and you must do ex-
actiy as he directs. Ask no questions,
for he won't answer them. Good-by
and good luck"
When he had gone the three Ameri-
cans followed their new guide through
the iron gates.
Major Ramos proved that he knew
how to obey orders even though the
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 was taking her, where the
other flibusters 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 similar frame OF mind.
1t was not until the train was APP
preaching Charleston that Major Ra-
mos finally anpouncaI. s0rhts a.. tho
end Of our Journey; the other men,
bers Of the expedition are here. But l
must ask 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 at
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 well
filed; there were many Cubans in the
lobby, and the air was 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
admIring 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 now his friends and comrades.
and that those Americans lettering
%atchfully among them were his enc
mies-the spies OF whom Ramos had
spoken. There were at least 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 soon
made evident by their efforts to get
acquainted.
On the next afternoon word was ouI.
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: Listen
Everything is all right. We're not 90
ing aboard the Dauntless at all: she's
here as blind.v
Are you sureT O'Reilly shot her
a quick glance.
Major Ramos himself gave that
story to the newspapers; it's all q part
OF his plan. I promised not to tell
butt Just can't help myself. Gee
I'm having good time"
Leslie Branch shook his head MOURN
FULLY. You may enjoy 1t, but DON'T
he grumbled. wen end II nv baIng
pinched, and that will finish me. One
week In a damp cell, with my lungs
CReilly, whose spirits had risen
magically, clapped him heartily ON the
back. crying: Congratulations You're
feeling better"
Il never felt worse 7" the other corn.
planned.
"Nonsensel That's the 6rrt t,cr
you've made since we hit cold weather
50. =, <pt,s.a =.