Martinsburg W Va evening journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1913-1920, 1918-07-22
90
CHAPTER v.
A Cry From the Wilderness.

New York seemed almost like for
eign city to Johnnie O'Rellly when he
stepped out into it on the morning
after his arrival. For one thing it was
bleak and cold: the north wind, hail
ing direct from Baffin's bay, had teeth,
and 1t bit SO cruelty. that he was glad
when he found shelter in the building
which housed the offices of the Carter
Importing company. The truth Is
O'Reilly was not only cold but fright
ened. sss,t5,- a..
c It was not the effect Of his report
concerning the firms improbable Gu.
ban connections which he feared
Samuel Carter, could take calmly the
most disturbing financial reverserit
was the blow to his pride at learning
that anybody could prefer another girl
to his daughter. Johnnie shook his
shoulders and stamped his feet, but
the chill in his bones refused to 60.
He went to meet his employer as 4
man marches to execution. =
His heart sank further at the vel
come he received. for the importer
gave him veritable embrace; he pat
ted him On'the back and inquired three
times as to his, health. OReilly was
anything but cold now; he was perspir-
ing profusely, and he felt his collar
growing limp. To shatter this old mans
eager hopes would be like kicking
child in the face. Carter had never
been so enthusiastic, so demonstra-
tive; there was something almost the
atrical in his greeting.
swell, my boy, you made fizzle OF
1t. didn't your" The tone was almost
complimentary.
YES, sir, I'm a bright and shining
failure"
"Now, don't yes, sir me-. We're
friends, aren't we? Good! Under
stand, don't blame you in the least
it's that idiotic revolution that spoiled
our business. You did splendidly, un-,
der the circumstances" ~
s'They have reason enough to re-
volt--oppression, tyranny. corruption"
O'Reilly mumbled the familiar words
in a numb paralysis at Mr.. Carter's jo-
vial familiarity.
".All Latin countries are corrupt"
announced the importer-s'always have
been and always will be. They thrive
under oppression. However. I dare say
this uprising won't last long"
Johnnie wondered why the old man
didn't get down to cases. "It's more
than an uprising. SIR" he said. -"The
rebels have overrun the east end of
the island, and when left Maceo and
Gomez were sweeping west"
bah sit takes money to run a war"
"They have money" desperately ar
gued O'Reilly. MART raised more
than a million dollars. and every Gu
ban cigar maker In the United States
gives part Of his wages every week
to the cause. The best blood of Cuba
Is In the fight. Spain is about busted !;
she can't stand the strain"
, II predict they'll quit lighting as
soon as they get hungry. The govern
ment is starving them out. However,
they've wound up our affairs for the
time being, and" Mr.. Carter care
fully shifted the position of an inkwell,
q calendar and a paper knife-"that
brings us to consideration Of your
and my affairs, doesn't It? Ahem I
You remember our bargain? I was to
give you chance and You were to
make good before you-er-planned
any-er--matrimoni foolishness with
my daughter"
Eyes, sir" O'Rei1ly felt that the
moment had come for his carefully re-
hearsed speech, but. unhappfiy, he
could not remember how the swan
song started. Mr.. Carter, too, was I'M
accountably silent. Another moment
dragged past, then they chorused.
" have an unpleasant"
Each broke on At the echo Of bis
own words.
whats thatw inquired the i'm
porter. 4s.
''No-nothing. You were saying"
II was thinking how lucky 1t Is that
you and Elsa waited. Hm-ml Very
fortunate" Again Mr.. Carter rear
ranged his desk fittings. I'VE some
times differ, Elsa and !, but when she
sets her Fort on" ''in~ 7 zoe that