The Mena weekly star. (Mena, Ark.) 1904-1977, 1919-01-09
CONTINUED from last week. }


He remained utterly deaf to Miss Ev-
ans entreaties that he let her know
aomethIng about the plans of the ex.
pedltion; 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 compan-
ions were In a similar frame of mind.
1t was not until the train was ap-
preaching Charleston that Major Ra-
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 to be well
filled; there were many Cubans In the
lobby, and the air was heavy with the
aroma of their strong. black cigarettes.
As the major entered they turned In
terested and expectant faces toward
him and they eyed his companions with
frank curiosity. Miss Evans became
The target for more than one warmly
admIring glance.
AS for O'Reilly, the familiar odor Of
those Cuban cigarettes. the snatches of
Spanish conversation which he over
heard, awoke in him a great excite
ment; he realized with an odd thrill
that these eager, dark-visaged men
we're now his friends and comrades,
and that those Americans lettering
watchfully among them were his enc
mies-the spies of whom Ramos had
spoken. There were at least a score of
the latter, and all were plainly
stamped with the distinctive marks of
their calling. That they, too, were In
terested In the latest arrivals was soon
made evident by their efforts to get
acquainted.
On the next afternoon word was quiz
etly passed to get ready, and the fill
busters, carrying their scant hand
Baggage. began to leave the hotel in
groups, followed, Of course. by the
watchful spies.
As the three Americans prepared for
departure Norine whispered: Listen !
Everything is all right. We're not go
ing aboard the Dauntless at all; she's
here as a blind.s
aAre you suref' O'ReIlly shot her
p quick glance.
Major Ramos himself gave that
Ptory TO the newspapers; It's all a part
Of his plan. ] promised not to ten,
butt just can't help myself. Gee |!
I'm having a good time"
Leslie Branch shook his head mourn
fully. "You may enjoy 1t. but DON'T"
he grumbied wen end 1t by being
pinched. and that will finish me. One
week in damp cell. with my lungs"
OReilly, whose spirits haa risen
magically, clapped him heartily on the
back, crying: Congratulations You're
feeling better"
II never felt worse I" the other COM
planned.
"Nonsensei That's the first kick
you've made since we hit cold weather.
By the time we reach Cuba you'll be
nice and melancholy and your cough
will be all gone"
Ramos led his three charges to the
railroad station and into the rear
coach OF south-bound train, where
me other members of the expedition
mad already found seats As they
climbed aboard secret service agent
essayed to follow them, but he was
stopped by brakeman. who said:
You can't ride in here; this is a
special car. Some sort of a picnic
party. They're 'wops' or Greeks or
something"
evening came, then night, and still
the party was jerked along at the tail
Oh the train without hint as TO Its
oestnation. About midnight those
VINO were not DOING noted that they
nao stopped at an obscure pine-woods
junction, and that when the train got
under way once more their own car
eid not move. The rise was now APP,
parent; owing to tIie lateness of the
nour, 1t was doubtful If anyone in the
forward coaches was aware that the
'rain was lighter by one car.
There was brief delay; then To-
'onotive crept out from siding
COUPLED up to the standing car, and
urew II OFF upon another track. Soon
ne excursion party was being rushed
swiftly toward the coast, some twenty
miles away.
MAJOR Ramos came down the aisle,
laughing, and spoke to his American
proteges.
Well. what do yor think Of that. Ell
Imagine the feelings of those good
seputy marshals when they wake up.
per they'll rub their eyes,"
MISE Evans bounded excitedly In her
seat she clapped her hands.
You must have friends in high
places" o'Reilly grinned, and the Gu
ban agreed.
Yes, | purposely drew attention to
W In Charleston, while our ship was
'oaaing. She's ready and waiting for
Us now; and by daylight we ought TO
Ne safely out to sea. Meanwhile the
DauntipcS hac x.,ot,t,n5 .rol,<.. a,1 ts