The Mena weekly star., 1918-11-21
CHAPTER v.
A Cry From the Wilderness.

A Cry From the Wilderness.
New York seemed almost like for
eign city to Johnnie 0'Reilly when he
stepped out into IL 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
0'ReilIy was not only cold but fright
ened.
1t 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 reverse-it
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 go.
He went to meet hts employer as a
man marches to execution.
His heart sank further at the well
come he received, for the importer
gave him a veritable embrace; he pat
ted him on the back and inquired three
times as to his health. O'ReilIy was
anything but cold now he was perspir-
ing profuseiy. and he felt his collar
growing limp. To shatter this old mans
eager hopes would be like kicking Q
child in the face. Carter had never
been 90 enthusiastic. so demonstra-
tive; there was something almost the
Asr:cal In his greeting.
"well. my boy. you made fizzle of
Il, didn't youf" The tone was almost
complimentary.
Eyes, sir. Tn bright and shintng
failure
"Now, don't yes. sir me. We're
friends, aren't WEI Good Under
stand, don't blame you In the least
It's that idiotic revolution that spoiled
our business. You did splendidIy, I'M
der the circumstances"
'They have reason enough TO re-
volt-oppression. tyranny, corruption"
O'Reilly mumbled the familiar words
in numb paralysis at Mr.. Carriers jo-
Vial familiarity.
"Ail Latin countries are corrupt"
announced the mporter-"always have
been and always win be. They thrive
under oppression. However, 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. 1.-The
rebels have ioverrun the east end of
the island, and when left Maceo and
Gomez were sweeping west"
BAH IT takes money to run a war"
'4They have money" desperately ar
gued O'Reiily. 'Marti raised more
than a naiilion 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"
IT predict they'll gust lighting as
soon as they get hungry. The governs
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 inkweiis
q calendar and paper knife--"that
brings us to consideration of youf
and my affairs. doesn't It? Aheml
You remember our bargainf l was &c
give you a chance and you were to
make good before you--sr-planned
any--er-matrimon foolishness with
my daughter
Eyes. sir" 0'Reii1y felt that the
moment had come for his carefully re-
hearsed speech, but, unhappily, he
could not remember how the swan.
song started. Mr.. Carter, too. was IN.
acc0unfabTy silent. Another iirument
dragged past. then they chorused.
ST have an unpleasant"
Each broke of at the echo OF mis-
own words.
whats thatf" inquired the Inn
porter.
@No-nothing. You were saying"
II was thinking how lucky 1t is that
you, and Elsa waited. Hm-ml Very
fortunate" Again III. Carter rear
ranged his desk fittings. we some
times differ, Elsa and /, but when she
sets her heart on thing see that
she gets ii, even If think she oughtn't
to have It, What's the use OF having
children II you can't spoil 'em, eh2"
He looked up with sort of resentfui
challenge, and when his listener ap-