Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1885-06-26

The sorceress regarded them all the
while with IA calm and contemptuous
glance, as though well aware they
would find nothing.
Their unsuccessful search concluded,
the trio drew into one corner of the
room, and held II whispered converse
ton.
"You said she was wealthy; the old
hag has not got scudi or a scudi's
worth in the place ~
Thus Bravadura addressed Hector
Fiaram0nte. in low, growing tones of
intense disgust
And so she is-rich as CrUsus. /
knew her three years ago IN Lcghorn.
She there lent the son of the Grand
Duke of Tuscany half a million ducats
in one sum to pay his gambling debts.
1t was all repaid her with large inter
est. Besides. has she not lent large
sums in this very city? DO mot know
that the young Count Claudio is heav-
ily in her debit
"Perdition seize it! and yet we can
not find ducat. -
What is it you require?' asked the
Jewess, sternly; what do you seek?'
What do we seek! Why, money, OF
course.
"Why did you not say so? Here"
and She took a purse from her pocket,
and flung the contents contemporary
on the ground. There is gold; take
1t and bcgone.
Bravadura and Spada instantly be-
gan scrambling for the money; but
Hector Fiaramontc folded his arms,
and stood aloof with an air of pride
and dignity almost laughable.
Rudiga regarded him with curiosity.
We'll robber," she said, ''why do
not you too scramble for gold?n
Il care not for such paltry work. As
for me, am bad fellow, doubtless;
but fly only at high game. Let the
common herd content themselves with
few gold pieces. ! came To gain at
least a thousand; and a. there seems
little chance of my succeeding in so
doing shrugged his shoulders
II must rest content without.
All she cried, rising, Is a sudden
thought seemed to strike her; "you
seem likely fellow. Would yon like
to earn a thousand ducats with but lit
t lie trOuble?'
Would I?-would | notP"
Are you to be trusted?'
Try me. ."
81 have great mind to.
She advanced toward him as she
spoke, and taking him unawares sud
denly made a snatch at the black velvet
mask he wore.
LET me see your face.
He attempted 20 prevent her, but
was too late.
The other two robbers rushed for
ward with drawn knives.
betrayed! betrayed, she has SEGA
the face of one of IL, and must dior
said Bravadura. raising his hand, -.
attempting te reach the Jcwess.
Hold. hold cried Fiaramonte II
| have business with her. do not !Ld
, my face being seen; were it as uglYrs
yours | might,
"Begone.' said the Jewess, pointing
to the window. Take your gold and
90: | have business with this man.
Fear not shall not trouble after YOU.
The two villains retired. grumbling
and made their escape by the same
way as they came.
Your Nance asked Rudiga. a.
soon a. they were again alone
Hector Fiaramonte.
She looked him hard in the face.
"False,' she said; lit is Victor San
son.
"Ah" he cried chow know you
that
She pointed above with her finger
The stars, which never lie.
Il have not borne the name for fif-
teen years, he muttered, half to him
self.
IL know it. Do you remember six
teen year, ago, on the 2ith of June, in
the village of Castcllan?'
Il do
"Do YOU remember crime YOU COM
mitted on that day?'
"Who are YOU who tell me these
| things? How know You this?'
No matter who am; | know. Do
! YOU remembcr, ON that day poor jew
! ish woman was robbed of her child,
and the woman who had charge of the
child murdercd?"
Great drops of pcrspiration rolled
| down his forehead and he turned dead
ly pale.
Il remember he said; "but do the
/ sAdi WI NOAi 1 NOililulAAti Nllt
They do not. -
"Ah, breathe again
But YOU know who did the deed"
He was silent
"What became of the child?"
II know not. so help me Heavenr'
you know not! And had YOU never
/ thought of the poor mothers feelings
thus bereayed? Had you never thought
on the enormity of the crime
Listen t1 me, mysteriOu, woman.
| will tell tIc truth. | was offered
share in five hundred ducat, to procure
Il female child of between eight and
! nine months old. Twas told the infant
would be adopted by noble lady, and
! reared in the lap of luxury. was poor.
and scented. but since that time
have tcpcnted often That alone of
all my misdeedS weighs down my soul
with remor>e.
And you wish to earn a thousand
ducatsP'
do | not, considering that have
not five scudi in my purse?'
"And would You also repair the
wrong YOU have done at the same
time a. you earned this money!
Il would.
Listen TO me; YOU say you know
not what has become of abe child that
was stolen ON the day of Margaret
d Arbcl murdcr?'
Il have not the least idea
IL have. know where the girl is