The Monticellonian., 1918-07-12

there. Now then let's celebrate
She executed dance step pirou-
cited around the room. then pumped
herself down into her chair. She rat
tied her cup and saucer noisily. cry
ing, Fiji them up, Doctor Gloom.
Let's drink to Cuba Iibre.'
Johnnie managed to smile us he
raised his demi-tasse. Heres to my
success as Il chaperon," said he. I'm
disliked by the Spaniards, and now
the Cuhans will hate me. I can see
happy days ahead
0Reiily arose early the next morn
ing and hurried down to the Office Of
the jHnta, hoping that he could con
vince Mr.. EnriqueZ of the folly of al
lowing Norine Evans To have her way.
But his respect for Miss Evans energy
and initiative deepened when. on arriv-
ing nj 90 New street he discovered
that Size had forestalled him and WIS
even then eloseted with the man he
had come to see. Johnnie waited un-
easily; he was dismayed when the girl
finally appeared with Enriquez in tow.
for the mans face was radiant.
Its all settled" she announced, At
sight of O'Reilly. I've speeded them
up
You're an early riser" the latter re-
marked Il hardly expected"
Enriquez broke in "Such enthusi=
assn Such ardor! She whirls a per
sen off his feet"
at seems that the Junta lacks
money for another expedition, so I've
made up the deficit. Well be off III
"A week"
Really? Then you're actually
going?'
"Of course. Don't be hateful and
argumentative, or I'll begin to think
you're born chaperon." Miss Evans
exclaimed. Come Make up your
mind to endure me- And now you're
going to help me bug my tropical out
fit"
With smile and a nod nj Enriquez
she took O'Reilly's arm and bore him
away
The days of idle waiting that fol
lowed were trying. even 10 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 a message which
brought them great joy. Enriquez di-
reeted 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 Enriquez 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 Norine took his bony, blood
less hand in her warm grasp and
| flashed him her frank, friendly smile
he capitulated instantly.
EnriqueZ was introducing new
conner now, one Major Ramos, Il
square awed forceful Cuban. who. 1t
/
expedition.
MY duties end here" Enriquez ex-
planned. Major Ramos will take
charge Of you. and you must do ex
actly 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 filibusters 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 eompan-
ions We're in a similar frame OF mind
II was not until the train was APP
preaching Charleston that Major RAJ
mos finally announced: This is the
end of our journey; the other mem
bers of the expedition are here But !
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 indiscretion
might ruin everything"
The hotel to which Major Ramos
led his guests appeared 10 be well
filled here We're many Cubans in the
lobby q The air was heavy with the
aroun ~ their strong. black cigarettes.
As the major entered they turned in
terested and cNpectant faces toward
linn and they eyed his companions with
frank curiosity. Miss Evans became
the target for more than one warmly
admi'ine glance.
Is Tor o'Ett.ly. the familiar odor of
those Cuban cigarettes. the suatchcS of
Spanish conversation which lie over
heard, awoke in him a great excite
luent ne realized with an odd thrill
that iheSc eager. dark-visaged men
were now his friends and comrades.
and that those Americans lettering
watchfnlly among them We're his enc
mies-the spies of whom Ramos had
spoken There We're Mt least a score of
the latter, and all were plainly