Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/90

 you down in Cuba to give us some straight information on the conflict."

"Thank you. I have no desire to run up against Yellow Jack."

"Hang Yellow Jack! He is only dangerous to those half-fed raw recruits that the government is sending over from Spain. I have talked with Mr. Hone about the advantage of sending a representative to Havana or Santiago, and he is seriously considering it. "Hold on! Here's something coming now," and Chance turns to his table.

Ashley waits until the dispatch has been received, and then reads with interest the following special from Madrid:

"Ten thousand additional troops will be dispatched to Cuba within a week, in response to the demand of Gen. Martinez de Truenos, the new captain-general of the island. Gen. Truenos has had experience in fighting Cuban insurgents, and a speedy termination of the uprising is looked for."

"Same old bluff," comments Ashley, and then, awakened to an interest in Cuban affairs by the words of the cable editor, he visits the night-editor's den in search of further information.

The longest story is from Key West, and a portion of it runs in this wise:

"The insurgents are winning victories every day. The Cuban patriots do not need more men. All they want is arms and ammunition.

"It is whispered that the greatest difficulty with which the present captain-general has to contend is the conspiring among his own alleged supporters and advisers. One or two Spanish generals and a number of influential residents and land-owners at Havana, Santiago and other important points are suspected of active sympathy with the insurgents, but no proof of such complicity can be obtained. It is even said that the chosen president of the provisional republic is at present in Cuba, and that under the very nose of the hated oppressor he directs the movements of the patriot armies. It is thought that this condition of affairs is responsible for the change in captain-generals, as Truenos is reputed to be a clever diplomat as well as a tried soldier. The next few months will probably decide the fate of the republic. The Cubans must win this year or never."

What do you think?" Ashley asks the night editor. "Has the island any chance of liberty?"