The Mena weekly star., 1919-04-17

when morning came O'Reiliy made closer examination of the abandoned boat. The result was not encouraging, but he determined to make use of it, and the crazy craft was launched. It was necessary to handle her gingerly, and when she took the water she leak ed abominably. But during the night she swelled and in the morning it was possible to ball her out.
 From the point of leaving 1t was per haps five miles across the sound to the fringe of keys which in this neighbor- hood bordered the old Bahama ckan- nel with It's unplumbed depths of blue water. Here 1t was calm, so the run was soon made.
 When the coastline of Cuba had be- come a blur astern Rosa crept back and seated herself beside her husband. How much I love you" she whispered. But never can tell you, for we are never alone. Was there ever such a courtship, such marriage, and such a wedding journey as ours?"
 It proved to be a long, long night, for the boat, though roomy, was uncom- fortable. Daylight brought an in- creased breeze which heeled the boat further. Fortunately the haze was not thick enough to wholly obscure the sun and so O'Reilly was enabled to hold his course. But he did not like the look of things. In time there came a spite full drizzle which completely hid the sun and left no indication of the course except the direction whence drove the rain.
 No one spoke now. Even Esteban lay silent, shivering miserably upon his sodden bed. Rosa finally strengthened her aching back and smiled at her hus band.
 Are we going downf' she asked.
 "Oh no This is merely a squall," he told her. with an assumption of conf dence he was far from feeling.
 Dcliverance came suddenly, and from the least-expected quarter. Out of the mist to starboar6 there materialized 6 shape, schooner driving ahead of the wind. The refugees deserted her simul taneously and stood ankle deep in the wash, waving their hats and their cala- bashes. and shouting crazily until she saw them and fetched up.
 There was babble of voices, shout ed questions, hysterical answers. Rosa was weeping softly; Norine had lifted Esteban and now clutched him tight while her tears fell upon his face.
 The schooner was sponger bound for Nassau; its blackbird crew spoke English and they willingly helped the strangers overside. laughing and shout. ing in childlike display of excitement Soon there was hot food and coffee, dry beds and blankets for those who needed them.
 Johnnie tucked his bride snugly into one of the hard berths, then stopped and kissed her. Rosa's teeth were chattering, but she smiled happily.
 Gods hand directed us," she said. "One only needs to pray long enough and strong enough and he will hear."
 q
 It was a month later Quaint old Mas. sau lay dozing under an afternoon sun. Up from the beach came O'Reilly and his youthful alter ego, Jacket. They were clad in clean white clothes; @ month of rest had done them good 1 Jacket was no longer wizened; he was plump and sleek and as full of mischief as colt while OReilly's leanness had disappeared and he filled his gar ments as man should.
 They turned in through picket gate and up walk. At the end stood a cot tage with wide porches hidden beneath jasmine and honeysuckle and morning glory vines.
 Look, Rosa IF Jacket lifted the heavy string of fish. "We had stu pendous luck' But Rosa was in her husbands arms and neither she nor O'Reilly had eyes for anything but each other.
 Rosa had vastly changed. She was clad in charming little muslin dress, there were dimples in her cheeks, she wore heavy Marechal Neil bud at her breast. O'Reilly held her off and de- voured her with his eyes.
 sweetheart, you grow fresher and more beautiful every hour" said he. Rosa danced upon her toes, and tugged at him. "But come quickly and see the surprise we have. I've been wild for your retusn, so hurry" She led him swiftly up the steps. and there, standing beside a chair, was Esteban Varona, "He dressed himself and walked out here alone. He's wellr
 "Esteban Really"
 The brother nodded decslvely. 'It's true. I rebelled at last Tomorrow I'll walk to the gate and the next day we'll go fishing. Here's letter from Leslie, by the way. There's one bit of news; he says the talk of intervention in- creases and he may have to return to Cuba as war correspondent.
 Intervention That would be fine," Esteban cried.
 OReilly nodded "Oh, It's bound to come, and when Uncle Sam takes hold Cuba will be free"
 Norine agreed: I'm sure of 1t. And then-we'll all go back to our rain bows end and dig for that pot of gold"
 Esteban turned adoring eyes upon the speaker he took her hand in his. "Tve found my rainbow's end" said he.
 And I've found mine," O'Reilly as- serted. I've gained your fathers treas