The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-02-21

distinctively as Madame and she tells her
own experiences more fully in her own narra-
tive viii only briefly mention the following
facts Many months before, 50 Madame being
g widow, had advertised for q companion.
From among the many that answered she had
been strongly attracted by an extremely hand
some girl, who gave her name as simply
Marietta" She was an italian, and but shortly
In this country. She spoke English poorly
but three or four other languages with nuency.
She had no references, but during the many
months she lived with Madame" she so com
pletely gained the love and confidence of
her employer that the latter looked upon her
as Of her own blood rather than stranger.
" Madame gave me a minute description OF
her face and dress and general bearing. " Was
she fond Of dress?" queried. NO, she never
wore anything but black" OF ornament
jewelry?" " Madame started, and was siienta
moment That is this mystery" she said
quietly. She sometimes wore little Genoese
brooch Of silver-she always wore peculiar
bracelet, a hoop Of gold made TO initiate
snake with jeWeled eyes.
"One day.1 said " Madame" Cast Winter
about four months ago-she left me suddenly
and without warning. I have used every en-
deavor that wealth can afford to seek and ind
her. I have never seen or heard OF or from
her since" ] told Madame my profession; OF
my slight knowledge Of the case, and then we
parted I watched the black-robed figure pass
amidst the crowd until she was lost to sight.
e. An ne" ! said, it is no clew."
Days and days rolled up to make the month;
they too rolled up TO make the passing years
Ny hair grew gray, and then wrinkles crept
upon my face. A thousand other things had
long since pushed from out my mind the story
Of Marietta. The Doctor l never saw again,
but / beard that he was doing well, and had
moved uptown. The Madame was an OLD
and wrinklcd woman, who led most secluded
life in some uptown lonely mansion. mad
been in Italy for two years working the aston
ishing forgeries on the BaDcO Italia had
been successful far beyond my hopes. i dIscoF-
cred the plates. captured the most notorious OF
italian forgers, and turned both over TO the
Government. They covered me with honors
paid me large pension and bestowed upon me
the title Of Count.
Here / was in New York again. and wander
ing too in my old lurking fashion up half
deserted street. 1t was nearly 10 o'clock
st night and a drilling rain was falling
I passed q aaring sign, with the word Oys-
ters " in great red illuminated letters upon IT,
The savory smell Of steWs and fries came up the
open grating. whistled softly to myself, then
got hungry and walked down the steps and
into the underground resort. 1 sat down
and ordered a stew, and then took up
a paper lying near. / did not notice
till I had lifted the first spoonful
to my lips, and looked over it, that there
was anyone else in the room. There was.
Il was man seated at q table opposite me. /
could not see his face for be held the paper he
was reading up before il with both hands; but
saw his hair, and that was black and curly.
His sleeve bad fallen back from the arm that
was nearest me. Ny eyes were fixed upon it
were riveted upon it. The memories of 10
years few panorama-like across my active
mind. ] remembered the DOct0r-Madame-
Marietta. / saw upon this mans wrist-as
God lives-the Woman's bracelet of shining
gold-the snake with fattened head and gleam-
ing eyes I sat still a second, but did not eat
the soup. ] loosened gently the little silver
whistle that always hung about my neck, and
h hthen / took cut from my eyer-present wallet
the lougunused warrant / had taken cut
against this man SO many years ago. / got up
softly. ] stepped across the room. / laid my
hand upon his shoulder. He turned quickly
upon me, and showed dark but handsome face
that turned indeed deadly white when said,
60 ] arrest you." He half rose in his chair.
Ne, senor2" he asked firmly and with
steady voice; for what
For murder-f0r Marietta-for this" and
pointed TO the bracelet. His hands began to
tremble and I saw him try to shove fartherup
his arm she golden circle. He slowly rose to
his feet VIII you 90 quietly, or shall have
TO use this?" And ] took out my faithful
whistle. lie looked at me long and steadily
then, with a sigh that seemed to rend his
frame, he said, almost in whisper: " Yes;
viii 60" and we walked into the gloomy street
and under the dripping rain.
al heard the sound about 3 last night, sir"
Esid the turnkey rs he led the way down the
long prison hall; ''but didn't think that il
was him as had fred"
pushed aside the heavy door and softly en-
tered the darkened cell. They had laid him at
full length upon pile Of straw, his handsome
face turned toward the ceiling; the masses of
his heavy hair falling from a noble brow now
white in death. / knelt on one knee beside
him and gently raised the leaden hand, TO push
back the rough sleeve Of his coat. Then as
gently LET it fall again.
The mystery was mystery still.
The bracelet had disappeared
To be c0ntiHuedl