The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-08-22

spirited little animals through th,
 crowded streets, till after passing dowr
 the Lung Arno and crossing the river b,
 the Ponte alle Grazie, we skirted tn.
 Duomo, then turned in the direction O
 5. Maria Novella, and finally in a smal
 street leading out of the Via del GigIio
 paused in front of large palazzo, whert
 we halted.
 Alter being conducted through the
 usual dreary saloons and galleries, W | came to the room in which were the an.
 tiques for sale l; and they were shown us
 by their owner. did not think much oi
 the display, and found very few things
 could advise the Prince to purchase Il
 seemed to me that he must have been
 misinformed as to the value of the col.
 lection He expressed no disappointment
 however, chose one or two bits of inlaid leweTy, and we prepared to leave. had
 noticed a lovely chased cup by Benven.
 uto Cellini, and recommended the prince
 to buy 1t but he refused, and as we were on our way to his carriage, he explained that he did not believe it to have been worked by Cellini, but copied by ono of his pupils; and he added The original
 l claim to possess. and if you can spare the time. should like to show it to you. Will you return with mel"
 gladly acquiesced and we were speedily driving into tho courtyard of the Palazzo Schidone. The prince ran lightly up the broad staircase, and enter ing the library in which had first seen him, led me through it to a small but
 exquisitely furnished apartment, where be said he kept his few treasures Here l speat think, tho most enjoyable hour l had passed in Florence. The collection was small but the taxi, intagu cameos, and enamels were perfect of their kind, and to each tale of interest was at- tached. l was fascinated by the charm Of Gherados manner, as he directed my attention to them and told their histories. At length he brought mo the Cellini vase 1t was cup shaped like a nautilus shell, of exquisiteiy chased gold On the rounded portion of the back was a winged Mercury poised on a ball of onyx In tho one we had previously seen, the fig ure was placed on silver globe, which sPoiied tAe effect. and it was, besides, of far inferior finish. The prince asked mo if would like to mako a sketch of the vase was so much impressed by its beauty; and took out my little pocket book for the purpose. The prince gave ma cigar, rang for some coffee, and while returning his treasures to their va- rous stands and cabinets, also began to smoke. Tho servant entered with the coffee. which he placed on table behind me, and retired. My companion rose to replace in jewel-case ring left out, while went on with my sketch. Pres eAuy he handed me my coffee, and drink ing some himself, sat down and continued his delightful talk. to which listened eagerly. The delicious coffee was in a cup of rather larger size than those in which the beverage is usually served. Il vas tired and slipped it gladly.
 Gradually found curious sensation stealing over me. l was strangely un- abls to go on with my sketch, and drop ping the pencil listened to the prince l felt centented, satis6ed-out stilled. My head fell gently back against the cush- toned chair, and laaguidly watched the prince. His talk appeared to grow more rapid, then he paused. Presently he laughed-a low wicked laugh, and his lace assumed the evil expression 1 re- membered so well but was incapable l of the smallest effort. Suddenly he rose rom his chair, leaned over me, and | aissed in my ear: Fool! know ali ! | Death is thy doom l" Then he crossed | he room, pushing the furniture out of ais way, rang bell violently, and came pack 10 my side. When the servants rushed in he cried: See, Giovanni; the dgnor is ll-dying fear. He just now ,ut his hand to his heart, sprang from ais chair, and fell back like this l! Go in- 'tantly and fetch il Dottore Monte Mean while, you bring me cordial, water, a an," he continued, turning to another ;ervant and then to his valet " Unfasten | ais collar"
 While the terrified fsotmen were hur- ying hither and thither, l still had con- ciousuess enough left to feel that was low in the hands of iemorseless foe, vho meant that l should die. Still l 'eomed not specially distressed or grieved, put moro as if were outside my body as spectator. Slowly even this recognition ,f outward things failed me; and while iherado and the valet were trying to un- asteC my tie and placing cordial on my ips, their faces and voices receded, and | ,ecame fainter and dinner, till all things aded from my consciousness, and l re- no moro
 CHAPTER HI.
 A strange droaing noise, an atmos- 'here heavy with incense, and . feeling # imprisonment are tho memories that :ome back to me when recall the first moment of returning consciousness. A full heavy pain in my head, a sensation 't numbne<s, a feeling that did not :are to know where was or how came here, are the next things remember. Then suddenly and with bound seemed o regain full control of my brain, and ya1ed about me with full awakening. My gave me ample food for bought. was in tho chapel of the the priest was chanting mass for the dead, and six of the brethren miv