Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1883-05-30

picture, he felt also that anything was
better than scene. It was both an act
of kindness and duty to nip in the bud
an attachment he could not return. The
first thing to be done, however, was to
get possession of the picture. Turning to
his companion, he said, s'Melita, lam 90
ing to remove the picture to the. village,
to day."
A suspicious glance shot from her lus-
troqs eyes. "You are going away feel
it! I shall never see you again!"
The artist laid his hands on hers, and
as he did so he felt the hand he held
tremble. An irresistible temptation
seized him, and be kissed her. He felt
that he was takiuga long, and everlast-
ing farewell; and thus they parted, with
out another word being spoken between
them.
After he had proceeded some little
distance, he turned and waved his hand
10 the girl, who still remained where he
had lett her, as motionless as a statue.
Frank Melville was man of prompt
action. Within an hour of his return to
the inn, he had left the village of Mon
teresa, first despatching brief note to
Melita, telling her that urgent business
called him away, and regretting the ne
ceesity for his sudden departure. He
then took up his quarters at small
village about twenty miles from his
former hating place, and determined
to remain there for q day or two, until
he had decided on his future plans. He
felt more depressed than he had thought
possible in consequence of parting from
the charming Zingari. In vain did he
endeavor by writing, reading and sketch
ing to Danish her image from his
thoughts. Wherever he went, or what
ever he did, the gypsy girls face was
ever before him.
On the evening of the third day after
he had left Monterosa, he was seated in
the little parlor Of the village inn. He
had hired two rooms, his bedroom being
Immediately behind the sitting-room,
and both on the ground floor. The
landlord entered and said visitor
wished to see him. While Frank was
wondering who it could he a step was
heard in the passage, and young gypsy
brushed past the landlord and CON
fronted his guest. It was Orlando
His swa1thy countenance wore an ex.
preston of bitter vindictiveness.
Melville held out his hand and uttered
welcome in gypsy language. But Or
lando took no notice Of the outstretched
hand or the young Scotchman's saluta-
ton. His left hand played nervous)y
with bright knife which was stuck
loosely in his belt. "Where is Melita ?"
The words were uttered in an intense
whisper, the while his coal-black eyes
Hurled with same hidden emotion, were
fixed on Melville as if he would read his
Utmost thoughts.
"Melita! Is she not with you I have
not seen her since left the camp"
The gypsy paused. Then he asked,
els that tho truth?"
Melville sprang to his feet, his face
flame with anger. eff you were not
Melita's brother would throw you out
Of the window" was the passionate excla-
nation.
Again the gypsy paused, perfectly un-
moved by the angry reply. Hehad never
lifted his piercing eyes from Melville's
face during the interview. Apparently
satisfied, he now extended his hand and
said: 81 believe you."
"But stay, Orlando" Melvlllerepied,
Tell me. what has happened? Where
is Melita p
81 only know that she left the camp
directly after she received your letter."
"And where are you going now?"
$50 find her, if I cam sullenly re-
piled Orlando, as he strobe RAPIDLY from
the room, leaving Frank prey to the
most tortuling suspense and anxiety.
But this was not of long duration. As
he sat by the window musing on the
strangeness of the girls sudden disap-
pearance, the shadow of q human figure
was projected upon the newspaper which
lay unheeded at his feet. Looking up
he beheld Melita? Fastening to the
door, he opened it, and led her into the
room.
"Have you seen your brother Orlan
do ?" he asked.
"Orlardo here?" came in accents
tremulous with fear from the girl white
lips, as she slowly sank into Melville's
arms in half fain'ing condition. Speed
lily recovering herself, however, sht
darted an apprehensive glance TOWARD
:he door, und said: eff he fnds me here
he will kill your
'sCalm you, self-don't be alarmed
Melita-no harm shall happen"
"Ah, you know Orlando's nature
Forgive ne for coming to you! I fel
that must see you or die! You know
you promised to come again to tn
camp"
81 know did, Melita; but acted al
I thought for the best. 1 wished to SPAR
us both the pain of parting"
| faint croi1n 1oro1ro o1oe %1,.
wan features Of the gypsy as Melville ut
tered the word ''botb."
"But you appear fatigued," he con
tinued. 81 fear you ere ill. You ca,
tell me another time-to-mor1ow-
you found me. Meantime, I will ring tn
bell for the servant. She will conduc
you to a room where you can get SOM
rest, of which you must be much i,
need. I have no fear Of your brother
He is hardly likely to come again Il
the sane place. He is doubtless mile
away by this time, searching for you."
The Zineari turned pleading ant
timorous look on Melville. You ar
not angry with me? I did so wish t.
Gee YOU" The next instant an almos
angry flush spread over her beautiful
| AdSOs W WY uAu yON OOu:0 W ~.
camp? I was happy till you came y 4
passionate flood of tears, the violence O
which shook her slender figure like {
wind-tossed willow, served somewhat K
relieve her excited feelings. Then, as
deep blush suffused her face and neck
she exclaimed eagerly: "Could I notgt
with you as your servant-your slave
anything rather than remain here!
dare not return to the tribe!'
Suddenly, as she spoke, her watchfu
ear detected the sound of cautious foot
! steps on the gravel. path beneath th'
window, and in another moment mar
Ientered the room. .n -:-. :..T
/. It is Orlando! With look Of 6end
ish hate upon his grim and pallid visag'
! he dashes himself upon Melville, and tn
dagger which glitters in his right hant
has come down with deadly effect
in another moment the assassin is gone
A piercing shrek ran through tn,
house, and as the frightened inmates
;, enter their chamber they behold tn
u Il Az ~ g