Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1918-07-05

closely One week from today, at ten
o'clock in the morning, you must be
in Manin's drug store. Directly across
the street you will see two negroes
with three horses. ct fifteen minutes
past ten walk out San Rafael street to
the edge of the city, where the hos
pital stands. The negroes will follow
you. There is q fort near by"
"I know"
'It commands the road. You will be
challenged if you pass it, so turn in
at the hospital. But do not enter the
gates, for the negroes will overtake
you at that point. They will stop to
adjust the saron of the lead horse.
That will be your signal; mount him
and ride fast. Now, adios and good
luck"
With a smile and quick grip of the
hand the messenger walked swiftly
away. O'Reilly returned to his hotel
At last! One week, and this numb
ing, heartbreaking delay would end /
he would be free to take up his quest.
But those seven days were more than
week they were seven eternities.
The hours were like lead; O'Reilly
could compose his mind to nothing; he
was in a fever OF Impotence.
The day of days dawned at last, and
Johnnie was early at Manin's soda
fountain, drinking insipid beverages
and anxiously watching the street. In
due time the negroes appeared, their
straw sarOns laden with produce which
they innocently disposed of. O'Reilly
began to consult his watch with such
frequency that the druggist joked him.
Manin's banter was interrupted by
haps two hundred mounted troops.
They wheeled into San Rafael street
at gallop and disappeared in the di-
rection of the suburbs.
"Now, what does that mean?" MUIR
INJURED the druggist. "Wait here while
l go to the roof, where I can see some
thing"
O'Reilly tried to compose himself,
meanwhile becoming aware of grow
ing excitement in the street. Then
end of San Rafael street sounded a
faint rafting fusillade, more bugle
calls, and finally the thin, distant
shouting of men.
"Rebels!" someone cried.
"Dios milo, they are attacking the
city,
'They have audacity, eh?''
The roofs were black with people
now. Manin came hurrying down into
the store.
Something has gone wrong" he
whispered. They're fighting out yon-
der in the woods. There has been
some treachery.'
'Tt is ten-ffteen," said OReilly. 81
must be going"
Manin stared at him. "You don't
understand" !.
"Those black fellows are getting
their horses ready. I'm going"
The druggist tried to force Johnnie
into a chair. "Madman" he painted.
81 tell you our friends have been be-
trayed; they are retreating. Go back
to your hotel quickly"
For the first time during their ac-
quaintance Manin heard the good
natured American curse; O'Reilly's
blue eyes were blazing; he had let go
Of himself completely.
''Tm going!" he cried, hoarsely. GAIL
the ID Spaniards in Cuba won't
stop me. Lord I've waited too long
/ should have made a break"
"Idiotr' stormed the druggist. "YOu
wish to die, eh?'
O'Reilly ripped out another oath
and fought off the others restraining
hands.
every we'll, them" cried Manin, "but
have some thought of us who have
risked our lives for you. Suppose you
should escape? How would our troops
receive you now? Would they not
think you had cunningly arranged this
trap?"
A light of reason slowly reappeared
in the younger mans eyes.
"No!' Manin pressed his advantage.
"YOu must wait until" He broke
off abruptly and stepped behind his
counter, for a man in the uniform of
Spanish lieutenant had entered the
store.
Continued next week