Mexico Missouri message., 1918-06-27


"oh, she won't get sick. She'll prob
ably nurse you--and all the other men.
You'll like 1t, too, and you will all fall
In love with her-everybody does-and
start fighting among yourselves.
Therei She has Enrlquez. Listen"
Johnnie shivered apprehensively at
the directness with which Miss Evans
put her requ ,st. "You understand, 1
want to go and see for myself" she
was saying. "If you need medicines
I'll give them-bushels of the nastlest
STUFF can buy. I'll organize a field
hospital. oh, very well, call
1t bribe, IL you like. Anyhow, I've
fully determined to go, and Mr.. O'Reil-
ly has volunteered to take care of me.
He's charmed with the tdea." Miss
Evans giggled. "That means you'll
have to take him along, too"
There followed pause during which
the two men exchanged dismayed
glances.
"She doesn't seem to care what she
says" O'Reilly murmured. "But-Tll
put aea IN Enriquez' ear"
'Put 1t In writing, please" There
was wait. "Now read It to me.
Goodp Miss Evans fairly purred
over the telephone. "Send 1t to me by
messenger right away; that's dear.
I'm at Doctor Alvarado's house, and
he's beside himself with joy. Thanks,
awfully. You're so NICE" A moment,
and she was back In the dining room
facing her two friends--a picture of
triumph. "YOu have nothing more to
say about it," she gioated. "'The pro-
visional government Of Cuba, through
Its New York representatives, extends
to Miss Norine Evans an invitation to
visit Ns temporary headquarters in the
Sierra de omethlng-or-other, and
deems 1t an honor to have her as its
guest so hong as she wishes to remain
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. "Fill them up, Doctor Gloom.
Let's drink to Cuba Libre."
Johnnie managed to smile as he
raised his demi-tasse. "Here's to my
success as a chaperon," said he. "I'm
disliked BY the Spaniards, and now
the Cubans will hate me. can see
happy days ahead"
O'Reilly arose early the next morn
ing and hurried down to the office of
the junta, 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 at SO New street, he discovered
that she had forestalled him and was
even then closeted 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.
"It's all settled" she announced, at
sight of O'Rellly. 'T've speeded them
up"
you're an early riser" the latter re-
marked. ~ hardly expected"
Enriquez broke in. "Such enthusi-
asmI Such ardor! She whirls per
son Off his feet"
"It seems that the Junta lacks
money for another expedition, so I've
made up the deficit. Wen be off in
a week."
"Really2 Then you're actually
goingT'
"Of course. Don't be hateful. and
argumentative, or I'll begin to think
you're a born chaperon," Miss Evans
exclaimed. "COmeI Make up your
mind to endure me. And now you're
going to help me buy my tropical out
dt.v
With a smile and a nod at Enriquez
she took O'Reilly's arm and bore him
away.
The days Of Idle waiting that fol-
lowed were trying, even to 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 message which
brought them great joy. EnriQuez di-
rected them to be in readiness to have
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 bel That goddess I" he cried
When NOrine took his bOny, blood
less hand in her warm grasp and
flashed him her frank, friendly smile
he capitulated instantly.
Bnriquez was introducing a new
conner now, one Major Ramos, Q
square jawed forceful Cuban, who, II
seemed, was to be In command of the
expedition.
"My duties end here" Enriquez ex
planned. 'Major Ramos win take
charge Of you, and you must do ex
actiy as he directs. Ask no questions