Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1888-12-13
MAN AND MOUSE.
Story of q Prisoner and His Lit
tie Companion.

Story of a Prisoner and His Lit
tie Companion.
Through the streets of Genoa moved
a band of five men. He in the midst
had bis arms bound fast behind him,
and his head SO muffled in cloths that
no sound could escape. Outside the
city the splendOrs of the full moon sill
vered the bay; the air was soft,
and perfumed with the scent of late
blossoms and the breath of the tideless
sea; but these men threaded their way
between high buildings where no ray
of moonlight fell, and where the stag.
nant air hung heavily. Swiftly they
mounted the billy street, and when
their mute prisoner stumbled they
dragged him to his feet by chains fast
ened to his iron wristlets. As they
advanced there appeared before them
blacker blot upon the darkness; here
was an open gateway, and into it they
turned. encountering troop of SOL
diers, who came threateningly toward
them. But the leader displayed a
badge beneath his cloak, at sight of
which the guards drew back. The
newcomers pressed forward between
high walls of stone, where rows of
flaming torches shed an uncertain
light to second gate, which denied
them further passage. A whistle from
the leader, an6 this Enclosed, admit
ting them by corridor to a bare and
lofty chamber. Here sat a grave gray
bearded man dictat ting to two youths.
The newcomers paused till he turned
about; dull sparkle lit his eye as it
fell on the group.
So you have him?" he said, as his
look fastene, upon the central figure,
so enveloped in its wrappings that no
feature could be discerned.
Yes. Excellency," replied the lead
er, bending low. HE has led us a
hard chase, but We have him. We
took him as he was mounting the side
of the galley"
{" Has he said aught?'
81 judged it best to have no speech
with him." answered the other, ..but
to leave him for your Excellency to
deal with. Your Excellency should
hear. though. that he caught sight of
us ere we seized him. and as we laid
hold on him paper dropped from his
hand into the sea. and was gone before
We could even see properly what it
was"
The old man frowned. you have
been careless servants" he calculated,
and for moment sat in silence. Then
he spoke: Remove the cloths from
his head. but leave his arms bound.
Wait without"
The cloths when stripped away ex-
posed the head and face of young
man OF thirty. with bold and swarthy
features and eyes of flashing black
ness. He gazed steadily at the man be-
fore him.
''Well, Sir Luigi. if that be the
name you favor" cried the latter. '.we
have secured you at last For hum
bic man." he continued, with sheer,
'.yOu have given much trouble to your
betters And now you are in our
hands, do you care to earn our
farther enmity? From more sides
than one there have reached us rumors
OF the conspiracy. Ser Luigi. what
ever power your friends may hold,
they can not reach you here. You
have no hope save in us. To plot
against our Admiral. the well-spring
Of our glory. deserves the blacklist
death. Therefore reflect we'll upon his
me cy and his majesty. when he offers
you freedom. full forgiveness for all
past offenses. even the enduring
friendship OF the Dorias, for one small
favor. Give me the names Of your
fellows in this evil league, and you
shall find bow nobsy Doria can rev ard
those who have rendered him a serv-
ice."
Tho speaker ceased. The other,
looking at him with face devoid of all
expression. answered.: Il am a simple
come to Genoa to buy goods
which / hope to sell again at q profit
In Rome. You will find them In the
galley whence l was torn. know
nothing OF such a conspiracy as you
speak Of"
The eyes Of his questioner cleaned.
.. Beware! he cried. II tell you We
( oU who you are and what brings
you here. Lying viii be vain. Will
you tell me the names Of your fellows
or not!''
II have no fellows" answered the
young man. II can not tell you that |
which l know not myself
I'VE have no time to throw away"
cried the other. rising and ringing q |
bell which stood upon the fable bse,re |
him; "nercy Is wasted on ohst'Eaca.
Che rack shall mako POS sponk." !