Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1871-06-16
swered Giacomo; claw books and other
combustibles of that sort

ISWered OlacOmO; law oookS anu otuei
combustibles of that sort.
Cosmo took up one of the torn books
and looked at it. He found it was no law
book, but something very curious. He read
these words: "The Secret Process. where
by Mcsser Antonio Malino commanded the
demon Astaroth into bispresence. and com
pellcd him to grant all bis desires" This
then was the secret of his powerful ances-
tor. He read on muchtinterested. "He
who would perform this wondrous deed
must search for the brasen plate fixed in
the centre of the floor of this apartment. on
which is engraved certain magical charac-
ters Upon this plate he must let fall
some drops of his own blood. mingled with
that of another person, and repeating to
himself the words which follow, his wishes
shall be accomplished" l."
1t was wonderful! Cosmos blood fair
lily bounded in his veins Wealth, power
and honor, all within his reach for the
shedding of few drops of blood. They
should be his that instant. But who
would be his associate in the enterprise
His eyes fell upon Giacomo industriously
blowing the fire. which obstinately refus-
ed to burn He was the very person he
could easily persuade him. He called to
him, and Giacomo arose and approached
his master.
"Bless me !" exclaimed Cosmo. with af-
fected concern; "you look very ILL"
''Dear me, signor, do I?' asked Gia-
como. in alarm.
"Yes," continued Cosmo, you threat
en- apoplexy. You must lose some blood
Immediately. I can take little from you
in moment" Finding Giacomo reluct-
ant. he added: III you refuse you have
not five minutes to live"
That decided Giacomo, and he quickly
stripped up his sleeve and presented his
arm to his master.
By the light of the candle Cosmo dis
covered the brass circular plate in the cen
tre of the floor.
Il will show you how little you have
to fear" said Cosmo, ''hy taking some
from my own wrist first" He barred his
arm, and pricked it with his poignard.
''See, it is nothing! Give me your arm. D
Giacomo, all of tremble, gave his arm
to Cosmo, who punctured it as he had
done bis own. reading from the book and
muttering to himself Suddenly loud
clap of thunder ratified over the roof, and
vivid flashes Of lightning illuminated the
apartment. The figure of Astaroth in the
picture became animated and stepped from
the tapestry. Giacomo staggered from
the chamber, overcome by terror. But
Cosmo gazed unmovedly at the demon be
had summoned. Astaroth stretched out
his hands towards him, and by motion
deprived him of sensation, and he sank to
the floor. The demon regarded him in a
contemptuous manner.
'''Is this the presumptuous mortal who
would render me his slave? p he cried
Rash fool! His desires shall be accom-
plished but they shall cost him dear
Aphrosa, my favorite spirit shall execute
my purpose. Aphrosa. appear your mas
ter summons you!'
The tapestry parted and Aphrosa, the
spirit Of beauty. glided into the room
She was clothed in white symarre, her
arms bare and her hair falling dishevelled
over her shoulders. Nothing could ex-
ceed the witching beauty of this danger
Gus syren. She ran to Astaroth and
crouched submissively at his feet.
spirit of beauty continued the de-
mon, "behold yon mortal. He for time
is to be your lord and master. Obey him
in everything. l give you to him-but
on this condition-that you obtain from
him his soul and yield it up to me when
ever I demand it,"
"You-shall be obeyed, great master, !"
answered the spirit.
but you must take another shape than
your own" continued Astaroth. ''you shall
be transformed into the semblance of a
page" He pointed to the tapestry.-
Behold in yonder picture the form you
shall wear until you have fulfilled your
task"
He waved his hand over her and her
dress changed, and she appeared to be a
young and beautiful page. Astaroth re-
treated to the tapestry and resumed his
place in the picture. Aphrosa surveyed
Cosmo. who still lay senseless upon the
floor, and as she gazed new sentiment
of compassion subdued her purpose. Her
heart melted with pity as she looked upon
his pallid but handsome features. Hap
less mortal she was to be his destroyer.
Cosmo gradually awoke to conscious
ness, and was filled with amazement on
perceiving his new companion. He arose
to his feet.
lis this dream or feverish fantasy?"
be exclaimed. "How came this stranger
here? Speak what are you 2"
Your slave" answered the page, sub
missively.
What is your name p
Il am called Julio"
why are you here p
ITO obey your wishes even as he obey
ed your ancestors replied the page,
pointing to the tapestry.
Cosmo suddenly comprehended her.
"Ah 1 understand" he cried. Then
you are the agent Of"
'No matter" interrupted the page,
who seemed strangely desirous of hiding
! her devilish attributes Il am ready to