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

! by ruins that had fallen into it Huge
piles of stone, in some places, threatened
to dash the boats to pieces-while on the
ed ready to fall and crush them. Amidst
all these distractions the bravo steered
the boat as if he had long been accus-
toned to traverse the way. Suddenly
he stopped his rowing and turned the
boat to the shore. The Others followed
his e1ample.-They landed at what ap-
peared to have been steps, but now so
broken as to be almost useless. With
difficulty they assembled, and when they
stood upon the firm bank Henri looked
eagerly around.-Before him were the
ruins of an old palace The marble walls
were almost level with the ground-it
seemed indeed a confused heap of columns
and arches; it was as silent as a tomb,
"There, signor," whispered the bravo,
"there is the stronghold of Alphonzo."
"But see no entrance. That is only
mass of ruins"
"That was once palace of the Ccnc.
Beneath it are large and spacious vaults;
within these has Alphonzo made his fear
full home"
"How can we gain an entrance ;"
"This is my plan: Let most of the
men 90 to the front. 1 will give them a
password which will secure their admis-
sion. They will enter the common BAN
quoting hall where all the band in the
ruins will be assembled; they must be
slain or made prisoners. You, signor,
come with me. We want few men,
l will lead you to secret entrance that
will conduct US to the chamber where
your destined bride is confined Is the
plan good one 7"
st is indeed. But let US hasten, we
have not moment to lose"
The orders were given, and the ma jor
part of the band marched to the secret
entrance that led to the large hall. Let
us follow the movements Of the bravo and
Henri. Rapidly marching towards an
angle in the wall they found themselves
before a marble column which still lifted
itself as a sorrowful witness of the uniYer-
sal desolation. The bravo raised trap
door at the base of the column and re.
vealed flight of steps, down which the
whole party rapidly descended. They
passed through a long, vaulted passage
until they reached the end Of it.
"a door opens here by spring." whis-
pered the bravo.
At this moment they were startled By
piercing shrick from woman. mingled
with yells and cries at great distance
off, which indicated that the first band
had already obtained an entrance.
"Tis Irene's voice" said Henri
"Confusion l cannot End the spring
Hear the loud shouts of your brave SOL
diers. A moment and we are lost. Ha,
l have it, have it."
The bravo threw open the door and
the party dashed into the room. Irene
was struggling in the grasp of AIphonzo,
who had evidently paused to listen to the
!, noise in the far off room. With scream
of JOY Irene tore herself from him, and
threw herself in Henri's arms.
"Who are you who dare thus attack
! Alphonzo, the bravo! Beware of my
, vengeance
"Ha, ha, Alphonzo," shouted the bravo
"your last hour has come-remembcr the
blow you gave me. This is an Italian:
f vengeance !"
And springing forward he plunged his
stiletto deep into the villains heart; hc
fell without eroan.
"On, on" cried the bravo-"on, COM
rades, your brothers call. Death to the
, followers of Alphonzo !"
They dashed through the passage way
along the vaulted hall into the large ban
quoting room. The battle was dreadful
I The bravoes were more numerous than
had been supposed, and fought with des
= peration. They had almost gained The
3 upper hand when with loud shouts Henri
band dashed through the door and fierce.
, ly attacked them. Well did they main
, tain the reputation they had acquired II
those bloody times, but it was all in vain
their boldeSt were in few moments slain
and the remainder of the fearful and mur
; derous band surrendered themselves a
, prisoners.
The morning sun had risen bright ant
glorious as Henri conducted Irene to th,
: dwelling Of the Alchemist. The nigh
passed before they had been able to leav,
the ruins of the palace. Now bright AM
9 mirthful they parted, with a promise o.
Henri's part that they should meet again
Irene passed in at the open door and soft
= ly ascended the stairs that led to be
fathers room. AS she passed Blanca
: room she heard her faithful nurse weep
4 ing and lamenting. She opened the doc
!. and entered Blanca started back in al
arm when she saw her, but the next mo
. ment frantically clasped her in her arm.
: 80, Signorina Irene, never hoped t
d see you again; how happy you look;
q was telling your mother"
e "My mother !" said Irene, starting.
ayes your mother Speak softly, sh
is asleep Hcly virgin! she is here"
Irene turned quickly around. Befor
!" her stood lady whose eye was red an
swollen with weeping Her courtenano
Y was very pale, aud bore an expression {
:, ;,Iou.1o.o,. IA Love Trane Falt tho roo,