Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1886-04-30

And in what country are We nowi
Could you tell me that Point Pescade ?"
Il have reason TO believe Mr.. Pierre,
that We are on an island, for tho sea sur
rounds us. d"
Undoubtedly. But in what part of
the Mediterranean z"
"Ah That it South, north, east,
or west" said Point Pescade, that is
Just what l do not know ut all. After
that, il matters little What is certain
is, that wea are AT Doctor Antekirtt' home,
and that one is well fed, we'll clothed.
we'll sheltered here. without counting
the consideration
But, mt least, you know the name of
this island, whose situation YOU do not
know z" Pierre questioned
The name of it? Oh, certainly"
answered Point Pescade. THE name
of it is Antelutta -
Pierre Bathory sought vainlv to
remember any island of the Mediter-
runean with such namc, and he looked
al Point PeScade.
Yes, Mr.. Pierre, yes - responded
the honest fellow. Antekirtta- nothing
ut all OF longitude and still less latitude
the Mediterranean. 1t is to this address
that my uncle would write to me- if |
had an uncle. but this far Heaven has
denied me that blessing. After all 1t is
not surprising that this island should be
called Antekirtta, for il belongs to Doctor
Autekirtt. However, for me to tell you
whether the Doctor took his name from
the island, or the island from the Doctor,
would be impossible, even il | were
general secretary of the Geographical
Society
Nevertheless Pierre's conyalescence
pursued its due course. None of the
complications, one might have feared,
made an appearance. With substantial,
vet malicious diet, the invalid recovered
his strength perceptibly from day to day.
The Doctor visited him often and con-
versed with him upon all subjects save
those in which he was most interested.
And Pierre. not Wishing to provoke
premature condolences waited until it
should please him to give them.
Point Pescade had always faithfully
reported to the Doctor, the fragments Of
conversation exchanged bv himself and
his patient Evidently the incognito
which covered not only Matthias Sandorf,
but even the island he inhabited. quite
engrossed Pierre Bathory. 1t was
equally evident that he constantly
thought of Sava Toronthal, now so fan.
away from him, since all communication
between Antekirtta and the rest of the
l.nTnIN0n a
But the time approached when he should
be strong enough TO hear all.
Yes ! To hear all, and that day, like
the surgeon who operates, the Doctor
would be insensible to the cries of the
patient.
Several days slipped by. The young
mans wound was completely healed
Already he could rise and seat himself
nj the window of his chamber The
Mediterranean sunshine came to caress
HIM there. the quickening sea-breeze
filled his lungs and gave him health and
vigor. In spite OF all. he felt himself
renewed. Then his eyes would fasten
obstnately on the hmitless horizon,
beyond which he would have gladly
pierced and reason was still sick with
him. This vast extent Of water around
the unknown isle, was almost always
deserted. Some coasters, Xebecs or
Tartanr or Polacks would appear in the
distance, but never turn or veer about,
TO cone alongside. Never any great
trading-yessel, never any of the steam
ships. whose paths traverse the great
European lake in every direction.
One had said truly that Antekirtta was
banishtd 10 the confines of the world.
The cath of July the ctorannounced
10 Pierre Bathory, that upon the follow
ing afternoon he might tlke walk, and
offered to accompany him in his first
outing
doctor" said Pierre, "if I have
strength enough to goout should have
strength enough to listen oyou.
ITO listen to me, Pierref What do
you mean z"
Il mann that YOU knowall my history,
and Ia not know yours !"
The Doctor regarded him attentively,
not MS friend but as physician who is
about - decide if he shall apply steel
or fire T. the quick flesh Of the patient
Then. seating himself near to him:
You wish to know my history,
Pierre Then listen TO me !"
IOurI'D IT