The Brookhaven ledger. (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1882-02-16

him was a lovely granddaughter
whom Michael had known and low
ed in childhood. Oar hero found
the Neapolitan nobleman well, and
rejoiced to see him; and Katrina
well, she was happy-yery, very
happy. Oh! if Michael could only
prosper in Vienaa-if he could gain
the favor of the Empress Queen
ah! then-what might be? who
would say?
She was a beautiful girl, just
opening into womanhood. Hel
father had fallen in one Of the bit
ter Cicilian feuds, and her grand
father, saving but a mere remnant
of the old family wealth, taking his
sons child with him, had fed tt
Austria, where he had found ample
protection, and secure friendship.
AS soon as he could do so Michae
gained his way to General Lacy
and presented his letters-six OF
them-which he hId brought will
him from noblemen and prelates ol
Naples. The letter given him by
the wayfarer in the little inn on the
borders of Judenburg Forest he had
mislaid, and for the time it had
slipped his mind. The General
carefully read the letters, and then
greeted the young man very kindly
You ask for a ub-lieutenancy,
he said glancing second time at
one of the papers.
Yes, that was the most the youth
had dared to seek.
The Minister was sorry that he
had nothing then to give, and still
more sorry that he could not prom
ise anything, AS the huntsmau at
the inn had said before, there were
many noblemen Of Austria idle that
good offices wanting incumbents
were scarce. However. the young
man could call again. The General
would not forget him.
Michael did call again and again
and yet again, and still the same
answer.
Katrina. what shall I do? This
is hard. They told me should be
sure of a sub-lieutenancy, when
they gave me the letters in Naples
I cannot enlist as a common soldier
l have risen from that position hon
orably, and l could not sink back
to the level in strange land
Have you found that letter from
your strange friend of the Juden
burg imp asked the anxious girl.
No I have hardly thought of it
If the letters Of such men as
But we know not who this man
may be. Let us find his letter al
once
So they went at the search, and
the missing letter was soon fopnc
in the pocket of jacket which ht
had chanced to wear on that morn
ing at breakfast at the inn, and haG
not worn since.
On the very next day Michae
Arizzo waited upon General Lac,
once more. The old man shook hi:
head sadly when he saw him. Blu
he took the letter, and a wondrou:
light awoke in his deep-set eye
when he saw the superscription
He broke the seal and read the brie
contents.
Young man, did you know th'
person who gave you this letter.
No, General; he did not give mi
his name
sWell-I declare! You are fortu
nate. 1t was the Emperor himself
Ha, ha-that is the way Joseph th,
Second likes to give his benefits
But he must have conversed witt
you?'
He did-yes,' answered Michael
hardly knowing what to think O
what to believe.
And he got all your secrets, II
wa.rant?'
why, sir-I must say he wa'
rather inquisitive, and was com
municaiive.'
| We'll, we'll; you have asked for
sub .lieutenancy. The Emperor i
pleased to appoint you Captain o
his fayorite light cavalry. 1t is
Isplendid arm of service, and yol
had better report for duty at once
/ will see that your, commission i
ready for you on the morrow. Also
you will be entitled to an advanc
for an outfit
The youth could never quite re
member how he bore himself Of
THAT occasion, nor how he got away
His next clear recollection was 0
holding Katrina to his bosom, Will
the old Count sat close by, and the
and there telling the story Of hi
Igood fortune.
We will only add, that Joseph II
never had occasion to regret hi
Kindness to the young Neapolitar
Michael Arizzo became one Of hi
best and most trusty officers; an,
once upon the Emperor's persona
staff. he there remained to the end