The midland journal., 1886-01-22
CHAPTER XIV.
CARPENA 8 OFFER.

door Andrea rejoined his guests in the
room, while Maria continued her work
about the house.
Count" said the fisherman, "the
wind is off the land, and do not think
the sen will be rough tonight. The
simplest way and consequently the best
way to avoid observation is tor you to
come with me. If you think so it would
be better to get away tonight about ten
o'clock. You can then get down be-
tween the rocks to the waters edge. No
one will see you. My boat will take you
off to the balancello, and we can at once
put to sea without attracting attention
for they know am going out tonight.
If the breeze freshens too much l will
run down the coast so as to set you
ashore beyond the Austrian frontier at
the mouths of the Cattaro."
And if it does not fresheu. what are
you going to do?" asked Sandorf.
1--WE will go ont to SEQ" answered the
fisherman. land will land you ON the
coast of Rimini or at the mouth of the
Po."
els your boat big enough for o voy-
age like that ?" asked Bathory.
Eyes; it is good boat, half-decked.
and my son and have been out in her
In very bad weather. Besides. we must
run some risk"
"We must run some risk. said Count
Sandorf; "our lives are at stake, and
nothing is more natural. But for you,
my friend, to risk your life"
"That is my business; Count" on
swered Andrea, land I am only doing
my du y in wishing to save you"
"Your dutyr"
"Yes."
And Andrea Fer-ato related that epis.
ode in his life on account of which he
had left Santa Manza, and told how the
good he was about to do would be a just
compensation for the evil he had done
''You are splendid fellow I" exclaim-
ed Sandorf, much affected by the re-
cital.
Then continuing
"But if we 60 to the mouths of the
Catraro or the italian coast that will
necessitate o long absence, which on
your part will astonish the people Of
Rovigno. After you have put us in
safety there is no need for you to return
and be arrested"
Never fear" answered Andrea.
Sometimes am five or six days at
sea. Besides tell you that is my busi-
ness. It is what must be done, and what
shall be done"
So that the only thing to do was to
discuss the scheme, which was evidently
a n$
for the balancello was quite equal to the
voyage. Care would have to be taken
in getting on board; but the night was
sure to be dark and moonless, and prob
ably with the evening one of those thick
mists would come up along the coast
which do not extend far out to sea. The
beach would then be deserted. The
other fishermen, Ferrato's neighbors,
would be busy as they had said, among
their madragues on the rocks two or
three miles below Rovigno. When they
sighted the balancello, if they did sight
her. she would be far out at sea with the
fugitives under the deck.
And what is the distance in direct
line between Ravigno and the nearest
point of the Italian coastf" asked
Bathory.
about fifty miles"
"And how long will it take you to do
that?"
with favorable wind we ought to
cross i'll twelve hours. But you have no
money. You will want some. Take
this belt, it has three hundred forins in
it, and buckle it around YOU"
my friend" said Sandorf.
"You can return it later on" replied
the fisherman, when you are in safety.
And now wait here till / come back"
Matters being thus arranged Ferrato
went to resume his usual occupation,
sometimes on the beach and sometimes
about his house. Luigi, without being
noticed, took on board in spare sail
provisions for several days. There
seemed no possibility of suspicion that
might al ler Ferratos plans. He was
even so careful in his precautions as not
to see his guests again during the day.
Sandorf and Baihory remained in hiding
at the back of the room in which the
window remained open. The fisherman
was to call them when it was time for
them to go.
Many of the neighbors came in to
have chat during the afternoon about
the appearance of the tunnies and the
fishing. Andrea received them in tho
front room and offered them something
to drink as usual.