Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1891-04-04
CHAPTER X.-coNTINUED.

adapted to O gentleman's wear. / en-
planned to the tailor whose shop en-
tered for the purpose that had joined a
party of coral fishers for mere amuse-
ment. and had for the time adopted their
costumes He believed my story, the
more readily ordered him 10 make sew
eral more suits for me Immediately, CIV
ing him the name Of Count Cesare
Olivia, and the address Of the best hotel
in the city. He served me with obse-
Quious humility, and allowed me the
use of his private back room, where l
discarded my fisher garb for the dress OF
a gentleman-a ready-made suit that
happens to fit me pasSably we'll. Thus
arrayed as became my station, | engaged
rooms at the chief hotel of Palermo for
some weels-weeks that were for me
full of careful preparation for the task
OF vengeful retribution that lay before
me. One OF my principal objects was 20
place the money had with me in safe
hands. sought out the leading banker
in Palermo, and introducing myself
under my adopted name, stated that
had newly returned to Sicily after
some years absence. He received me
well, and although he appeared aston
ished ut the large amount OF wealth l
had brought, he was eager and willing
enough TO make satisfactory arrange
ments with me for its safe keeping, in
GLIDING the bag Of jewels, some of which,
from their unusual size and !uStre, en-
cited his genuine admiration. Seeing
this, pressed on his acceptance a fine
emerald and two large brilllants. all UNI
set, and requested him TO have ring
made of them for his own wear. Sur
prised at my generosity, he at first re-
fused, -bmt his natural wish to possess
such rare gems finally prevailed, and he
took them, overpowering me with
thanks,-while was perfectly satisfied
to see that had secured his services so
thoroughly by my jeweled bride, that he
either forgot, or else saw no ne
cessity to ask me for personal ref
erences, which in my position would
have been exceedingly difficult, II not
impossible, to obtain. When this busi-
ness transaction was entirely completed
! devoted myself to my next considera-
ton, which was to disguise myself so
utterly that no one should possibly be
able to recognize the smallest resem-
blance in me to the late Fabio Romani.
either by look, voice or trick OF manner
/ had always worn moustache; 1t had
turned white in company with my hair.
I now allowed my beard to grow; 1t
came out white also. But in contrast
with these temporary signs OF age, my
face began to I'LL up and look young
again; my eyes, always large and dark,
resumed their old flashing, half-de6ant
look, look which, 1t seemed to me,
would make some familiar suggestion to
those who had once known me rs l was
before died. Yes, they spoke OF things
that must be forgotten and unuttered;
what should do with those tell-tale eyes
of mine?
thought and soon decided. Nothing
was easier than to feign weak sight
sight that was dazzled by the heat and
brilliancy Of the southern sunshine; /
would wear smoke-coloured glasses. l
bought them as soon as the idea occurred
TO me, and alone in my room before the
mirror tried their effect. was satisfied;
they perfectly completed the disguise OF
my face. With them and my white hair
and beard, looked like well-preserved
man OF fifty. FIVE or so, whose only phys
Ical ailment was slight affection Of the
eyes.
The next thing to alter was my voice.
/ had naturally o peculiarly soft voice,
and o rapid, yet clear, enunciation, and
Il was my habit, as 1t is the habit OF al
most every Italian, to accompany my
words with the expressive pantOmime OF
gesture. took myself in training as an
actor studies for q particular part !
cultivated harsh accent, and spoke with
elaboration and coldness-occasionally
with sort Of sarcastic brusquerie, care
fully avoiding the least movement OF
hands or head during converse. This
was exceedingly difficult OF attainment to
me, and took me an Infinite deal OF time
and trouble; but ] had for my model
middle-age6 Englishman who was stay
ing in the same hotel as myself, and
whose starched stoliditY never relaxed for
a single instant He saw q human ice
berg-perfectly respectable, with an air
OF decent gloom about him which is gen.
orally worn by all the sons of Britain
while sOjourning In a foreign cline. i
copied his manners as closely as posi-
ble;-I kept my mouth shut with the
same precise air OF not-tO-be enlightened
obstinacy,-I walked with the same up
right drill-demeanour,- ! surveyed
the scenery with the same superior
contempt I knew l had succeeded
at last, for overheard a waiter speak
ing Of me to his companion as ''the
white bearl"
One other thing did. Iwrote a
courteous note TO the editor Of the prin-
cipal newspaper published in Naples
newspaper that knew always found It's
way 70 the villa Romani-and enclosing
fifty frances, requested him 70 insert 4
paragraph for me In his next issue.
This paragraph was worried somewhat
- follows