Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1858-11-03
ALARIC /;
OR,
THE TYRANTS VAULT.
4 sIcILIAN STORY OF ANCIENT TINES.
CHAPTER T.-CoNrINUED.

a caImuess which he did not feel, "have you any
reason to believe that your entrance into the
city this evening was particularly noticed. "
why DO you ask p demanded the youth.
81 will tell you,'' answered Bellerus. 81 have
Just come from the inn near the Temple OF Di
ana, where | overheard a conversation between
two soldiers who had just come from the south
ern gate They said that Greek vessel was
seen upon the coast this morning, and that some
one landed from her. 1 also made out, from
their conversation, that the king had been in
formed of the fact, and that he had given or
ders that every stranger who entered the city.
should be watched. and intelligence of his
whereabouts conveyed to him."
Then | may be assured that | have been fol-
lowed" said our hero; ''lor suspected it while
on my way hither."
"And if such be the case" said Bellerus,
I'VE shall hear more from it "
But before we wait for that we'll take some
steps of our own" cried Ianthe. "Some safe
hiding-place must be found"
Alaric was upon the point Of speaking when
loud knocking was heard without, and voice
demanded entrance in the name of the king.
Ely fly ~ cried Ianthe, seizing her lover
by the arm.
Hold" spoke Belerus. who became calm in
the presence of this necessity. 'If he flies he
will not escape now, for our house may be
watched upon all hands and if he is caught in
the act of fleeing, deeper and more deadly sus-
pciJn may fasten upon him"
Another laundering knock was heard, and
BeIlerus started towards the door.
1--WE must meet it now" he said, though l
wish had known your coming had been no
tieed Iaathe, you had better withdraw"
mot while"
"Hush! In this l must be the Judge. For
the good of him you love, bid you seek your
own apartment"
AYE" added the youth, leading her towards
the inner court, edo as he bids you. ] shallbe
safe enough At all events l will see you
again"
He kissed her and blessed her; and she pass
ed from the apartment Just as the host unbarred
and opened the outer door. She stopped and
caught hold of her lover by the hand ere she
left him, and, with heavy fear upon her heart,
she asked him to be careful.
1.-THE thought of thee shall be inducement
enough to that end" he replied. ''And now
may the gods be with US both.
In few moments more Bellerus returned
aud with him came four soldiers. They were
stout, hard looking men, whose hearts perform.
ed no other Office than to furnish them with an
imal life that they might do the bidding Of theil
master One, who wore the uniform of lieu
tenant, advanced from his companions and gaz
ed into our hero's face.
"You entered the city this evening" he said
AIarie hestated for moment, but during tina
short moment his mind was made up. HI
quickly Judged that any falsehOod might injure
him, and he resolved to tell the whole truth.
81 did," he answered.
"And you landed from a Greek vessel thi:
morning :"
'Yes"
"Then you will go with US to the royal pal
ace"
"But why is this :"
because the king has so commanded"
''Shall see him tonight :"
ave came not to answer questions-only t
command your attendance at the palace" san
the lieutenant, grufiy.
sour gracious monarch will evidently Sc
you tonight" interposed Bellerus, who saw th
flash of Indignation in Alaric's eye, and feare
that be might make matters worse by givinI
way to his feelings
The youth saw the old mans meaning an
he curbed his rising emotions.
"Are you ready to gol" asked the officer.
"At any moment"
"Then we have nothing further to detain u
here"
Alaric put on his cap, aud as they passed ou
through the narrow passage Bellerus found a
opportunity to whisper in his ear
BE eautious-keep guard upon you
tongue-mention not Ianthe's name, nor SUITE
any allusion to her to drop from your tongue
Let US hope that the danger is not great"
And vet there was tTemulousness IN b
very tone-a terror in lis very breathing-th'
belied inc words OF hope he spoke. Until tn
rzloment the youth had not felt serious alarn
but as he caught the lsOk of horror upon tn
honest artisans face, the bolt struck to his ow
heart.
"The gods be with thee ~ spoke Bellerns
they reached the porch.
But Alaric made no reply. AT that momel
aweighty thought was upon him, and before
could call his senses back for an answer he W
hurried out into the street The officer walk,
by his side, while ono of the soldiers led u
way and the other two fell in behind.
variety of thoughts occupied Alaric g mn
as he passed on through the narrow, dlmt
lighted streets. He remembered how he Ia
seen his father cut down. and how his broth
had been butchered; and the same bloody tyra
who had done il had now sent for him. Is I
wonder that, with all his bravery, the youth Il
cold chill creeping about his heart as he
preached the lair of the remOEseless monarcl