Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1886-05-22
A STORY OF THE PLAGUE,
BY JOHN PAUL BOCOCK.

the steep, white street, 10 the sea. Inc
lauguid life OF Malta was stirring to
meet the breeze, which roso as the
heat Of the day declined. Lateen sails
Of variaus colors tapped by the quay
and grew ~resplendent in the level vol
low track OF the sunset. Fishermen
came down the hill and put off to get
their suppers. Idlers strolled to the
waters edge, where the crowd gath
cred and pulled at their cigarettes as
the p. 4 o. steamer disembarked a
crate or two OF freight and a motley
group Of passengers. The blue of the
air and the blue of the water bright
ened and grew more and more alike.
Even A%ltranto, careless of these things,
noticed the beauty Of the evening rs he
raised the latch Of the garden gate
and came straight up the narrow path
through the Tx trees. AS he opened
the gate q ragged fellow had slouched
up the hill on the opposite side of the
way.
Joconda gave a slight start and rose
to her feet as her eyes rested for a
moment On that haggard face. Then
the marquis came in sight and dis
tracted her gaze. and when she looked
into the street again the fellow wa
gone. She sat down as Altranto ap-
preached and ~reclined on the low mar
bic steps at her feet. She was evil
IDENTITY accustomed to seeing him
there.
There's more than usual color in
your cheeks, Princessa. May l hope
the sight of your devoted seryitor in
spired itP"
There, marquis, kiss my hand and
be content. I'm too well used to hay-
ing you steal through my garden gate
to be inspired at your appearance.
The servants adore you because you
never require them to announce
you. l am not sure that /
shan't reclaim the latch key, for tear
you may wear it out. After all, why
should the Marquis Altranto be allowed
80 signal n privilege, even if he is my
cousin and an original noble Plenty
of mobiles. and better. too-who knows
may knock at the front door!"
"You are pleased to be severe, fair
cousin. l had hoped the edge of your
caprice blunted long since by my de-
votion and the cruelties you have prae.
ticed on others. There's not a palm
In your grounds but has caught up and
whispered to the night wind the sigh
of some disappointed lover. You are
known a the coolest of the Chiaati,
the most remorseless of the Zammit.
the haughtiest Of the great ladies of
Malta. Perhaps il is for this reason,
you decline to marry. lest you perpetu-
ate this fateful combination"
"Altranto, as yo8Opened the gate l
thought l saw Rimano-scowl if you
bke-creep up the white street behind
you from the wharf. with the rabble
from the steamer. He looked this way
for a moment and hurried away. per-
haps at sight of you. couldn't help.
shuddering, although already | loathe
myself for it. So be comforted, nroud
signor. instead of turning pale 81 the
mere suggestion ct u miserable out.
casts rivalry. Trebly outcast, from
love, home, and honor! There, look
he vas just such another rs that wretch
-unkempt, reeking, perhaps, from
the company of cutthroats-By heaven
it is himself DO you not recognize
him? Here, look between these vines.
/ believe he recognizes, you. AS for
upa hn will nauar fnvnAt n,aft
IF that be- the once gallant khneno,
prime fayorite of your Highness the
Prince Of Coquettes ana First Lord of
the Garden Latch Key, then, indeed,
have the mighty fallen. | wcald not
swear to him, however. And if it "a
Rimano, how can he sven now recon.
Gle himself to such company,
Zone might think aim the lsader OF
a pack Of thieves, WHO had bean to spy
out lodgings for them. There, he
looks here again. am sure he SAW
us that time. Quick. call Giseppe."
"Do you really itP" said AL.
tranto.
Eyes. quick. b. happens 70 suit my
pleasure o know more of his move.
ments. Giuseppe. you see that tall,
ragged young man just ahead OF the
crowd passing the garden gate. Follow
him d~isc2eetly. find out whSre he goes,
what ho does You may recognize
him.
"Can it be possible" SAID Ahranto,
"that tAe sigha of that msu, raised the
color L saw in your chesks when ]
came. He is nos now indifferent &c
you. Fool. 10 believe l had made you
forget him. And yet. afssr the infan,,
les you have heaped on him, he caz
only hate yea"
Jest as yoa please, signor. know
how to appreciate the compliment Vol
pay me when you suppose 1 coalt
waste n thought Of aught less thar
iale curiosity on Rtmano. But as fol
his hating me, l doubs it! don't be
lieve any man would hate me, abso
lutely! Il would even wager that
could have him here at my fest, 70
stored to his old 'unreason' this very
night, did | chooseT
Tho cOnceit Of this princessa Is su
perb. might almost BIO tempted t.
wager a box OF bon bons against
against, eve a kiss-of the princessa'
hand, that her reconquest on surh con
ditions is impossible. l should ike &
be an eye witness. however"
"Done." said the princess.