Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-10-20

upon the stool. He appeared to be ex-
pecting visitor, for he would often 90
TO the window aud peer out
II wonder why Pedro does not come
back?" he muttered. Hist, there's
some person coming this way" he ex-
claimed, as he heard footsteps approach
ing.
Itcame nearer, and there was rap at
the door. Voorn opened it, and the
Duke of Milan entered thereon.
"Good evening, Voorn," said the
Duke.
Voorn returned the salutation gruffly,
for he knew that the crafty man would
try to fiatter him with soft words. The
bravo handed him his stool, while he
seated himself on the table. There was
momentary silence, when the Duke
said
"Voorn, came on business.
"Glad to hear it, for my stiletto is be-
ginning to rust" replied the bravo with a
grin.
"Then it shall rust no longer" said
the Duke. But see if there are any
listeners"
~ will do so;" and Voorn arose and
went out. He saw form crouched be-
low his window. He approached and
asked, "Is that you, Pedro 2" fl
ut is" said the spy, in low voice.
Remove that stone and listen, for l
have on important visitor tonight"
He returned and reported that he had
found no listeners.
"Iu the first place" began the Duke,
% IL 10 OF of i'm
between youth and old age in your busi--
ness ?"
~ do not" replied Voorn.
Have you noticed an old man with q
long white beard, walking in the streets
of Venice2" asked the Duke.
~ have. What of him2" said the
bravo.
"Wcll, want him removed
"Ah, seel You want him silenced
forever" said the bravo, in a business.
like manner.
Exactly; can you do it2" said the
II can; but I must have pay re-
piled Voorn.
"Of course; how much p
Twenty tsentsr'
Ou Snail nave H.
The Duke arose and poured the gold
forth on the table. The bravo looked al
every piece, and said, at is right. i
will finish him this week."
"That will do; but bring me his iron
ring as a proof that the deed is done,"
said the Duke; and in moment he was
gone.
The bravo recounted his gold, and
placed it in a drawer in the table.
The Duke had not been gone long when
Pedro di Alberto entered the same room.
He looked like an old man, bat he soon
threw off his disguise, and stood revealed
He was o noble looking person, in the
prime of life, though there we're marks of
sorrow in his face.
"a good nights work, my friend
Voorp," said the spy.
Indeed it is; and for the money |
must kill that old grsy-haired man. and
the two men laughed.
Heuceforth that old man will not be
seen in Venice" said Pedro.
"Give me the ring, Pedro" said Voorn.
Pedro took the iron ring from his
finger, and handed it to him.
~ guess the duke does not know that
also ap spy of the Ten ?"
"Ofc course not, replied Pedro. Now
is my time for revenge. You know what
made me bravo, Voorn. But for that
Duke, might have been happy hus-
band and loving father. | swear that he
shall stand before the Tenl" and he
brought his clenched hand down on the
table
"Yes, and the League of Twelve,
tool" responded Voorn.
"Yes, they shall all stand before the
Ten, and be judged" said Pedro, loudly,
as he thought of his past wrongs.
They divided the twenty talents, and
Pedro went to his abode.
At the next meeting of the twelve"
the Duke of Milan reported that Pedro
di Alberto was dead, and to prove his
words he showed the iron ring. The
members of the League were satisfied,
but in their last dying hours they found
that they had been deceived.
Two weeks later, as the Duke Of Milan
was walking in the street. he was sur
prised to have letter handed to him.
he went home aud opened it The words
we're full of meaning, and his cheeks
grew pale as he read them. The letter
ran thus:
" Charles, Duke Of Milsn;
"You are commanded, to stand before
the Ten; refuse, and you die. Tonight
is the time"
There was no signature to il, but the
Duke knew there was no use for one; its
words were enough, aud be awaited with
fear the approach of night. 1t came;
two men, wearing masks, appeared to
convey him to the Council OF Ten. he
allowed himself to be blindfolded. and
be soon stood IN the judgment chamber
Il was q large hall, and the Duke
shuddered as be looked around and saw
the huge instruments Of torture. Tbs
black-robed judges took their seats, and
a voice cried out
The Ten are in council"
The chief now arose, and said in q
loud voice that clearly sounded in the
hall, Charles, Duke Of Milsu, you are
to be judged for two things-6rst, for be- |
longing to an order the League Of
Tvelve; secondly, Tor wishing the mar
der Of Pedro al Alberto. What say you ? I