The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1854-10-26

nor wealth.
Henri had rushed down the stairs, out
of the door, and thrown himself into his
gondola almost without thought. Then
for the first time the nature Of the service
he had undertaken flashed through his
mind. He knew, as all did at that time,
the terrible nature and the fierce cour-
age Of the chief of the bravos He knew
that he must have concealed Irene in one
of his many secret places, where he could
defend her with all the power of his out
lawed band: To discover the hiding
J place was as difficult and dangers as the
attack upon it would be. He knew not
how to proceed. He reached the man.
sion of his father and retired to his cham
ber. There be resolved plan after plan
in his mind, but all were dismissed as
worthless. A servant entered his room
and announced that an ill-looking man
below desired to see him instantly upon
important business. Henri gave orders
/ for his admission; be waited for moment,
when tall, herculean built man entered
the room. A dark hat concealed the up
per part of his face, while round his
mouth he had tied large handkerchief.
| When the servant had withdrawn he turn
ed to Henri.
Are you the Viscount Of Chantry?
4 am.
You love Signorna Irene, the daugh-
ter of Gueppo, the alchemist!'
And what is that to your
Much. Would you recover herr
! 4 would shed the last drop of my blood
to rescue her
'Tis we'll. She is now in the hands
of Alphonzo, the Spaniard.'
SHE is
Il am one Of his band
'You?'
'Yay, start not, l came here to serve
you. Listen. This morning Alphonzo
seized the daughter of Gueppo as she stood
by her fathers door. | was one of those
who rowed his large gondola. She was
taken to most secret hiding place; she
is there now
4 had supposed as much
'As yet she has not been harmed.--
This day Alphonzo is obliged to perform
service for a wealthy duke, but to night
be will return to accomplish his fell de-
signs. The Signorina must be rescued
tonight; or all is lost
But how can this be done? How can
this hiding place be discovered!'
Il will guide you to it,
Your
Yes. This morning, for some fancied
neglect of mine, Alphonzo struck me.
would have driven this dagger to his
heart as he stood in the middle of bis
band, but thought of another and no.
bier revenge. An Italian never forgiycs
a blow. l will guide you and such force
as you may need to the stronghold of AL
phonzo. Once there the arm will be
strong that drives the dagger to his gull
ty heart. Do you trust me!'
4 do-for there is something in your
countenance that tells me you will not
deceive me. At what time shall l be
ready"
'An hour after sundown. We have a
long row upon the canal before we reach
the den. Besides, at that time most o
the band will be absent, and will not as
semble until midnight. If we are promp
and strong we cannot fail in the conflict
IT'S well. will this afternoon max,
every preparation, aud shall expect yor
here at the time appointed. Till ther
farewell
The bravo left the room.
The hour had arrived and Henri stoot
in front of his fathers mansion waitin!
the arrival of the bravo. Near him, il
some large gondolas, concealed by th'
: curtains, were a number of retainers anc
soldiers we'll armed and eager for tht
conflict. Just as Henri was beginning t
doubt the bravo's promise he came to
wards him.
4 was detained to accomplish worl
of Alphonzo's,' said he, as if in apology
You are not late. Are you nov
ready
i am. Will you accompany me il
my small gondola! lean guide you bet
ter in this-let the others follow us close
ly.'
Il will accompany you-but let u
hasten
i. Rapidly giving his orders to his me-
Henri leaped into the little boat wher
the bravo had already taken bis station
For a long time they rowed in silence
The shades of twilight became fainter an
fainter, while the darkness of tho nigh
increased. They passed through the prin
cipal canals, and entered portion Of tn
city unknown to Henri. The darknes
had increased SO rapidly that he coul
hardly see the tall form of the bravo a
he quickly piled his oar. At length b
spoke:
"Are we almost there !"
"Not yet, signor. This is open sailin
here in comparison to what it soon will be,
n The other boats are following us !"
), "They are; hut I am fearful that the
r will find it difficult in few moments.
: Thus saying he gradually slackene
the speed of his boat. Slowly and caut
S ously did he advance, scarcely dippin
>. L., - - tbo ,rotor The Iaa fr tb O 20