Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-11-22

cried the man, suddenly breaking off hi
| discourse, and looking blankly rount
upon his little flock, there's one of yol
missing. There was seven of you jus
now-I counted you over, and now there
only six. Where's the young lady %
Clearly, there we're only six of US, ant
no young or old lady among the number
Had there been a female passenger? Will
lam was certain upon the point. My Owl
impression agreed with his. The res
were doubtful on the point. And as fol-
the italian, he only shook his head wher
questioned.
"Not much English" he replied humbly
as if in contrition for his ignorance. But
his dark eyes wandered about from one tc
the other in questioning, wondering way
as if he felt that something was being dis
cussed that might concern him nearly, he
being helpless and, as it we're, speeches:
among it all.
But Mr.. Hook good-naturedly came
forward and explained the matter tc
Signor Tomaso in his fluent, colloquial
French.
Come, now, you have your chance,
he cried. "You are looking fof missing
young woman, and here is one ready to
your hand"
Once possessed of the idea that there was
a question of female passenger who had
disappeared, the Italian became much in
terested and agitated. He had expected,
he had hoped to find young lady among
the passengers. Was it anyone who re-
sembled photograph he now produced?
1t was common photograph enough,
produced in some Italian town, but show
Ing a very beautiful face, of Southern
type, with charming contour Of head and
neck. Curiously enough the neck was
adorned with massive chain, from which
depended cruciix, of much the same kind
as that which Mr.. Hook now carried in
his bag as a pledge from the Count. But
as far as William was concerned, there was
nothing to be said about the photograph.
He had not seen the young lady's face, for
she was wrapped in long, loose cloak, or
something Of that kind, and held thesleeve
of it across her face as if she were protect
ing it from the night rir.
Altogether, William remarked that this
was a queer start. and he did not half like
it. And, taking up his lamp, he said that
but returned in few moments, looking a
little scared. He beckoned to me to fol-
loS him, and | went out quickly, not ex-
citing any observation among the other
passengers, except the Italian, who kept a
ceaseless watch on all our movements, and
who crept out after me.
"Well, saw Ler, sir" whispered Will
lam, flashing his lamp up and down the
dark corridor. "Ghere she stood, Just
outside the door, as if she was doubtful
about coming in; but when l turned to
speak to her she was gone This is queer
start, and no mistake! Would you mind
coming with me while l take look
around 2"
We tramped up and down the passages,
looked into empty rooms, all dark and de-
serted. There was no sign of a living
creature anywhere.
But we were startled all of sudden by a
loud Cry from the Italian: eyes, yes She,
she % lie shouted. "Anita, Anita"
And away he darted, as if in pursuit Of
some flying figure, away down the long,
dark corridor.
'Stop him. cried William; she will
tumble into the harbor p for The door as
the end opened directly on the jetty.
Fortunately, the door was locked, and the
Italian shook it violently to no purpose.
"She went through there" cried Will
lam, interpreting Alright the mans ges-
lures. "Taint possible. l bolted the
doors myself, and lock 'em-I remember
now-and here's the key in my pocket"
And, as William flashed his lamp upon
the heavy fastenings of the door, it was
plain enough that no one had passed out
that way.
"Now ask him." said William, painting
and bewildered, "who this young lady is
and why she should hide herself from the
rest of the passengers. Now, come in
here" William unlocked the door of
room half filled with boxes and packing
cases, putting his lantern on the floor, and
placing an empty case as a seat. 'Sit
down, gentlemen; and now 'parley yous.' ;"
"Aiasl" said the Italian, thus conjured
to speak 'what beheld was indeed the
form of my lost Anita. But was it more
than the form, the apparition, come to
warn me that she is no longer on this
earth? Yes, she was my betrothed, my
promised wife, one Of my own country,
that beloved Fiume, where our early years
were spent. Three years ago | set forth
for America, to establish myself at Buenos
Ayres, where had been invited by some
compatriots. Fortune smiled upon me.
was soon at the head of an excellent bust
ness, as restaurateur. Before long ! had
paid the expenses of my installation and
had began to put money away for my
Anita, for her presence alone was wanting
to complete my good fortune. We con-
stantly exchanged letters, which were
charged with the warmest affection; her
most ardent wish was to be with me once
more. Well, at the end of two years
was able to send handsome sum to de-
fray the cost of her passage. Knowing the
perils that beset young and handsome
but inexperienced woman, | had arranged
every step of her progress. At Paris she
would be received by one of my good
friends, GAZETTEER At Boulogne another
of my compatriots is a well-known pats.
sier; with him she would find hospitality
and safe conduct through the bewilder,
ment of embarkation. At London another
of my friends, dealer in plaster statuary,
would receive her, and finally, at South
ampton, she would be put on board the
mali steamer by another of my friends,
who is concerned with ices and confection-
cry. All this programme was effectually
performed till my Anita reached Boulogne
There she was put on board the English
boat by my friend. From that moment
she is lost altogether. Not one single
word, not a sign of her existence. Imagine
NV grief and alarm when | boarded the
steamer on which her passage had been
taken-and no Anita. Imagine my frantic
letters and the brief, cruel replies. HUI.
man nature could stand the suspense nc
longer. l disposed of my business and re.
turned to Europe to search for her myself
| have travelled to and fro many times on
the route she took. | have said to myself
if she has been enticed away; if, which
heaven forbid, she has come to distres:
and shame, she will surely return by the
way she came. But now l incline to think
that she is dead, murdered, perhaps for the
u e a.,t1 oil