The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-08-22

L.. IL light to convey me to the cemetery. Thev : watched all night, knew, and celebrates midnight mass for those whose friend, were able and willing to pay for the cere. mony, and guessed that Prince Gherado had charged himself with these cares on
 my behalf. Slightly unclosing my lids, I
 gazed at each kneeing figure in turn, They were of course facing the altar, and
 my only clue to their identity would be
 gathered from the hand of each as he
 held his taper, and from what could see
 of his feet. Of the six, four displayed
 rough, coarsely made shoes, and hands
 accustomed to labor one had new boo,s
 but his hands, though white and shapely
 were heavy and large. The sixth figure
 the one on my left, nearest the altar. was
 l knew, Schidone. He was as still as a
 carved image, his head bowed, his hand
 grAsPing heavy candle; but it did not
 need the gleam ot a great stone in a rinp
 he habitually wore to tell me it was nv
 enemy. 1 recognized at once the Ions
 thin fingers of his white hands, and felt I
 could trace the shape of his head be.
 meath the black drapery. How helpless
 was-how entirely in his power! If |
 interrupted the service and for the mo-
 meat escaped, knew should not leave
 Italy in safety; man so unscrupulous
 and so powerful for evil as he was would
 not De balked of his prey so easily. A
 cold sweat bedewed my body, as grim
 thoughts chased each other through my
 orain was so weak, and every ow and
 then strange dizziness overpowered me.
 l felt as though l could not regain my
 liberty unaided.
 The minutes as they passed seemed
 hours and yet they flew all teo fast, for
 could invent no scheme for escape. A
 moonbeam shone through one of the up.
 per windows, and thought how lovely
 It must be outside, how tho soft light
 would be glorifying the Campanile, how
 deep would be the shadow in the Bigallo.
 how black would show the inlaid marble of the Duomo! Should ever see it all again My eyes wandered round the chapel; l gased at the picture of St. Sc.
 oasnan over the altar then at the aco. iytes and murmuring priest; and then at the long laco-trimmed altar cloth, which touched the groun l on either side. Sure ly my eyes were at fault, or was that black spot smouldering cinder from out the censer the boy had swung so careless Tyr With rapt intensity watched the linen with the coal on it, and a little huff ot smoking arising therefrom A few seconds more, and a red line of fire ran up and along the cloth, and the artificial flowers on the altar were Ablazel A shout from the brethren, who seemed to rise simultaneously rem their knees, and con- fusion reigned. Then the voice of Che. rado arose calm and clear. "Save the picture v was the command to two of his companions, who immediately obeyed, Call the hsemen," he said to another. Quick, put the treasures and relics into place of safety" was his command to the priest. But his coolness only availed for few minutes for as the flames seemed to take possession of the building, priest, acolytes and brethren disappeared in a panic, leaving thsir black robes on the floor.
 Gherado stood for a moment with the ghastly light of the flames shining On his race, and then advancei to nay side. feared his piety would cause him to carry mo out for proper burial, and with a sick ening dread held my breath and al- lowed no muscle to quiver; but he only muttexed E meglio cosi-6re hides as we'll as the earth, and walked out of the flaming building,
 As his receding footsteps died away, and with the noise of the advancing crowd in my ears, sat up, then crept from the coffin, and seizing one of the long robes of the brethren put it on. drew the hood closely over my face. and escaped by tho door leading into the Via CAlzAioh, whence sped, baretooted as was, across the bridge and down the street of the Santo Spirito. The excite ment of the numerous people met was great; but after the first few minutes dreaded attracting attention, and had the sense to refrain from running, trust ing that the sight of Misericordia" walking barefoot would not excite re- mark. Several persons gazed at me cur iously, but no one spoke and arrived at the door of my dwelling in safety. Then paused If I entered there would be danger of questions and inquiries, much talk and confusion, and my escape would certainly reach the princes ears. It would be better for me to go elsewhere, and determined to seek Saveili.
 When he was aroused, and had listened to my tale, he promised every aid in his power, but strongly advised me not to return to my lodgings, or to remain in the city longer than necessary. Together we made plans for my safety and for the help of Amaranthe, for whose welfare had the greatest anxiety, and for whom had grave fears Savelli gave me food and wine and much needed change of raj ment; and thankfully flung myself on a sofa for few hours repose. At the appointed time my friend aroisea me and by nine o'clock we were on our way to the dwelling of Cardinal Bandinelli, in pursuance of our design to invoke his aid in our difficulty. The old porter was hard to persuade that we ought to be ad- but it occurred to Savelli to re- quest to send for the cardinals secretary, wath whom he vas slightly acquainted. Then we were allowed to go up the great staircase and pass behind the heavy cur tains at the top, whence we were ushered into plainly furnished apartment, semi