Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1860-09-20
is not far, the hotel d. Espagne : and throw.
ing himself into chair he mused deeply.
CHAPTER ~.
,,rdorons aboft tbot'a shot


And let US not be dainty ofleave taking,
Butshiftaway. There's warrant in that theft
Which steals ITSELF when there's no mercy left
1t was about eleven o'clock in the night
of the same day on which the incidents
narrated in the preceding chapter of this
tale occurred, that tall, powerfully built
man, whose feature, though not handsome,
were strongly marked, and whose forty years
sat butlightly upon them, was slowly pass
ing along the Place del Popolo, one of the
principal streets of the Eternal City. AL
though his dress and the numerous orders
upon his breast proclaimed him of high
rank, he was alone and unattended; an un-
usual circumstance at that time, when as
sassnations were Of almost nightly occur.
renee the great influx of strangers into
the city to attend the fetes of the Counsel,
giving the bravoes an unusually fair oppor-
tunity for trying the points of their knives,
and enriching themselves with the spoils Of
their victims. But the man of whom we
are now speaking was not unarmed, as
was seen by his sword, and by richly
mounted dagger, the belt of which was
studded with jewels, and which was half
concealed beneath his close fitting double
breasted military cut coat This man was
no other than Paul, eldest son of the EN-
press Cathariue Of Russia, graudduke Of
the empire and heir-apparent to the impe-
rial throne; and who was now on his way
to the Palace de Rosenburg to see his son
Alexander. The evening was beautiful,
such one as is seen only in Italy. The
stars sparkled brightly, and the moon shone
forth in all her beauty-the beams cross.
ing every where, reflected on the walls of
the houses, yet leaving some portions Of
the street veiled in darkness. Paul drank
in the beauty of the scene at every step;-
now stopping to survey the walls Of some
ancient mansion, possibly church, con-
vent, or palace; now looking toward the
sky; and anon glaucing uneasily around
him. After some time spent thus he drew
out his watch, and noting with surprise
the lateness of the hour by the moonlight,
passed quickly on for several squares; and
had nearly reached the end of the street
when he again paused, as though puzzled ;
and inteutly examined the buildings around
him. That portion Of the street in which
he stood was in complete darkness; and,
apparently undecided, he was about to
turn back. when the footsteps of some one
rapidly approaching, smote upon his ear
and in a moment tall figure whose face
was covered with a mask, stood beside him
so near indeed, that he could have touch.
ed it by stretching out his hand.
, who are you ? exclaimed Paul, starting
back and laying his hand upon his sword
who are you?'
"A FRIEND was the instant reply. You,
excellency is proceeding to the Palace dc
Roseuburg?'
Il am, replied Paul in surprise.
TO see your son?
Yes. Who told you that?'
No matter know it, Hear me there
is danger in your path, my lord; be wise
3 then, and proceed 20 further. Return
while you have yet time, and leave Rome
at once
That will not do,' said Paul, drawing
his sword. 'May I be so bold as to ask the
name of him who warns me?
, lit would be useless for you to know it,
replied the other. Enough that I know
you and your purpose here. Oh my lord
as you value your life-as you hope to be
emperor of Russia some day-fcllow my
advice and go nc further Come follow me
and will lead you to your hotel; and ht
advanced nearer to him but Paul, moving
back, motioned to him to pause.
Keep off, he said, raising the point o.
his sword from the ground on level with
the others breast, and drawing back his
arm: 'if you value your life,' he continued
smove not another step toward me, or you
will repent it,
oh, rash and foolish man. exclaimed
the stranger, who, as the reader has already
guessed, was our friend the mountebank
would you lift your sword against him who
warns you? Know this, my lord, that if
had not followed you step by step-from the
door of the hotel San Carlo, where I remain
: ed watching for you the whole evening, you
would ere this have ceased to breathe. But til
useless to warn you! Go on, and ere long
you will regret that you did not heed my
warning. In the hands of heaven l now
leave you;' and without another word the
mask strobe rapidly away.
Strange, very strauge! muttered the
, grand duke, gazing after him until he had
disappeared in the shadow; and then re-
placing his sword in its sheath. 1T struck
me several times that I have heard his voice
before. Well, well forewarned, forearm.
ed, as the saying is. Idiot that l was !
he exclaimed, why did 1 not inquire my
way of him?' and he struck his forehead
with vexation. NO NATTER he added
'here comes another; and friend or foe, III
cen ask him p
your pardon, signor, he said, as the new
conner drew near, and bowling; i have lost
my way. Can you tell me where the Pal
ace de Rosenburg isl?
You are close to it, replied the stranger
1T is that tall stately building near the
corner
Thanks, signor'
You are welcome;' and the other moved
; away.
r Il thought J. had passed it, said Paul
and he was about to retrace his steps, wher
a knife blade penetrated his right arm, and
at the same mnmnnt ha rnnniuad q hlo1r liz