Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-07-08
BY REX BEACH
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
Copyright. b. Harper and Brothses


Copyright. b. Harper and Brothers
One afternoon, perhaps week later,
Don Mario de Castano came puflng
and blowing up to the quinta, demand
ing to see Rosa without moments
delay. With dlrectness unusual even
in him, Don Mario began:
"Rosa, my dear, you and Esteban
have been discovered was at lunch
with the commandante when learned
the truth. Through friendship pre-
vailed upon him to give you an hours
grace"
'What do you mean, Don Marioi"
inquired the girl.
"Come, Gomez the planter crsed, i'm
patiently. "Don't you see you can
trust met Heavenl The recklessness,
the folly Of young peoplel Could you
not leave this insurrection to your
elders? Or perhaps you thought it
matter Of no great Importance, an
amusing thing"
''Don Marioi" Rose interrupted. II
don't know what you are talking
about"
'sYou DON'T chi" The callers wet
cheeks grew redder; he blew like
iporpoise. '"Then call Esteban quicklyl
There is not moment to lose." When
the brother appeared De Castano
blurted out at him accusingly: "Well,
Erl A fine fix you've put yourself in.
Perhaps you will be interested to learn
that Colonel Fernandez has issued Or
tders to arrest you and your sister as
agents Of the insurrectos."
"What7" Esteban drew back. Rosa
turned white as lily and laid flut-
Iering hand upon her throat.
''You two will sleep tonight in San
severino." grimly announced the ro-
tund visitor. "You know what tina,
means"
Rosa uttered smothered cry.
Colonel Fernandez" Don Mario
proceeded, impressively, ibid me this
favor, knowing me to be sutton for
Rosa,s hand. In spite Of his duty and
the evidence he"
'Evidence? What evidenced" Este
Dan asked sharply.
For one thing, your own letter to
Lopez, the rebel, warning him to be,
ware Of the trap prepared for him In
Santa Clara, and advising him Of the
government force at Sabanilla. Oh,
don't ny to deny it. read it with
my own eyes, and It means-death."
Rosa said family: "Estebanl I
warned you"
EEstetan was taken abbac;k, but Il was
plain that he was not in the least
frightened. "They haven't caught me
yet" he laughed.
"You say they intend to arrest me
also?" Rosa eyed the caller anxiously.
"Exactlyls
"Who accuses her, and of what?'
Esteban demanded.
"That also have discovered through
the courtesy Of Colonel Fernandez.
Your accuser is none other than Pan
che Cueto."
"Cuetol"
..Yes; he has denounced both Of you
as rebels, and the letter is only part
1of his proof, believe. Now, then, you
can guess why am here. am not
!. without influence; ! can save Rosa, but
for you, Esteban, fear can do moth
ing. You must look out for yourself.
4 Well? What do you say?"
When Esteban saw how pale his sis-
i ter had grown, he took her in his arms,
Saying gently: I'm sorry, dear. It's all
my fault" Then to the merchant:
cts very good Of you to warn u.s."
"Hal" Don Mario famed himself.
.rm glad you appreciate my efforts.
It's good thing to have the right kind
of a friend. I'll marry Rosa within an
hour, and fancy my name will be a
sufficient shield"
Rosa turned to her elderly sutton
and made a deep courtesy. II am un-
worthy Of the honor" said she. "You
see, IL do not love you, Don Mario"
'Love u exploded the visitor. "God
bless you! What has love to do with
the matter? Esteban will have to ride
for his life in ten minutes and your
property will be seized. So you had
better make yourself ready to go with
me-"
But Rosa shook her head.
'.Eh? What ails you? What do you
expect to dot"
II shall 60 with Esteban." said the
girl.
This calm announcement seemed to
etupefy De Castano. He sat down
heavily q the nearest chair, and with
4.