, 1882-08-11

"Sir, you forget your manners -
"Sir, you have not shown any
"S'death, sirrah DO you know in
whose presence you stand2' cried the
Duke.
"No more than yourself |" was the
naughty answer.
- am the Duke of Francavella |"
And | the Count of Palmera -
At the mention of this title, the at
tendant OF the Duke gave a slight, quick
start, aud fixed his eyes searchingly
upon the stranger.
g am glad at least to hear you are a
nobleman," pursued the Duke, cas- the
thought of having my likeness borne by
plebeian would have been too humil-
iating. 1t is said, Count, and my eyes
confirm the report, that you and 1 look
remarkably alike, which is fact very
dlsplea ing to me"
"And to ME also, Duke |"
"Therp should be but one such face in
Venice, Count |"
$50 l think, Duke -
Is may hope then Won will take early
leave Of our proud city u
NNo III iippto NOul NfuCo lluo ultluo
ARRANGEMENTS to quit this country
"You are insoleut, Count"
So are you, Duke |"
"By the bones of st. Mark - the
Duke began, in malignant rage but,
suddenly recollecting himself, he
stopped, smothered down his anger, and
added, in quite different tone, with a
forced smile: "Your pardon, Count 1
am too hasty. 1t is not the fault OF
either of us that W. look alike. Ii we
cannot he friendS there is no need of our
being enemies; but, rs the first proyoca-
ton proceeded from me, l will hope
to remove it by proper apology, and
trust we may be passing friends after
ALL"
The Count bowed and replied:
:" / am disposed to meet your Grace
half way, in either anger or friend
ship"
II thank your Lordship and trust
you will honor my banquet, on Friday
evening next, with your presence, when
l will do myself the pleasure to intro
ducc your Lordship to some of the first
mobiles OF Venice "
"I will endeavor to I've present and do
myself that honor, so please your Grace!"
replid the Count.
"'Tis we'll. Antonio (turning to his
attendant). Zee that his Lordship has
proper conduct from the palace"
With polite bows, forced smilss, ana
suitable adieux, the Venetian and Span.
ish nobleman separated, each secretly
hating the other with bitter and dead
ly hate.
As Antonio left the presence of his
noble master, he seized the first oppor-
tunitv to say to the Count
"My Lord, l have private word for
your ear"
II listen.
1--WE are countrymen."
"Indeed2"
"les," pursued Antonio, speaking
low and in Spanish, ~ know your
house well, and I would serve you.
Yonr life is in danger here.
$50 believe"
81 think this banquet is given ex-
pressly to destroy you"
81 had my fears"
"Yet, il you will come TO it, and fol-
low my instructions, you shall not only
he saved, but may become the Duke OF
Fmncnvella."
How? Speak |"
"Seem indifferent to my remarks,
now, my Lord-for all beneath this roof
are spies upon each and every other,
aud il he suspected o: what am say
ing my life will not bo worth song.
Have you ever heard Of the Red Death
Mask, my Lord !"
"Never to my knowledge"
at is briefly this: On the nights OF
festivity figure in red domino and red
mask sits near the Duke. At the close
of the feast this figure shakes hands
with all present, and it is rare that some
one of the ndmber does not die shortly
after. Does your Lordship compre-
hend?"
II think 1 do-secret poison !
Through the Death Ring, my Lord.
"Ayl well?'
"When this Red Mask takes your
hand on that night, he will leave within
it paper of instruction, which You
must find an opportunity to read in
secret and follow to the letter."
"How do you know thisP"
"I know it, my Lord, that must sut-
fice for the present. Will your Lordship
come and seize O dukedom?"
"But how that?"
"You shall know if you come"
81 will come-theugh how am 10
know you mean me wellP"
"If l meant you i'll, my Lord, what
need to warn you?
"True-it is enough will be here"
Punctual to the appointed time, the
Count of Pulmera appeared at the ban
nuet OF the Duke of Francavella. The
Venetian received him with apparent
pleasure, and, rs he had promised, in
troduced him to many noble guest.
The feast began and wine circulated
freely. At the close came the hand.
shaking round OF the dreaded Red
Death Mask. Scarcely one Of all those
nresent TINT did not turn pale Mt the