Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1894-07-28
CHAPTER XVIII.


CHAPTER XVIII.
Il wanted IN hour Of dawn. In the
guard room of the castle OF Saint
Angelo, upon low wooden bench,
sat Mario and q young man with q
bright. intelligent face, the Marquis
de Ia Tremouille. The Marquis fam
ily was one OF the oldest and richest
in France, and one Of the few which
hal managed to preserve its wealth
during the trying times Of the revolu-
ton. In a spirit OF adventure, the
young Marquis had accompanied
Napoleon to Italy, and venturing too
far beyond the lines, had been cap
tured by q s]uad Of Melos' soldiers,
conducted before the general and sent
to Rome to be held for ransom.
Mario had known De Ia 1remouille
when he was u student IN Davids
atelier ut Paris, and now, as fellow
prisoners. the two young men had re-
newed their acquaintance DE Ia
Tremou lie had done all he could to
raise his companions spirits, and had
bribei the guard to allow him to
remain with his friend until the end,
despite Marics circumstances that he
might injure his own cause by thus
exhibiting his sympathy for q man
condemned to die. ,sa1
Bah" said De 10 Tremouille. They
are to- wise TO harm me. Alive, am
worth 100000 crowns, my ransom
Baron Scarpia will never throw away
so large q sum. which he Is sure Of in
the near future"
After Mario's interview with Scar
pia, they both recognized that there
was no longer any hope. For some
time they had been sitting silent. each
absorbed in his own melancholy
thoughts Suddenly Mario spoke.
marquis" he said. ''the time is rap
idly approaching when must say
goodbye n life II must be nearly
morning. We do not know each other
wei II we count intimacy by time,
but few hours In the crisis of mans
life are sonnet mes more than years Of
ordinary intercourse So, ] do not
hesitate TO ask favor Of YOU"
Deal with me Us II were your
nearest FRIEND" replied De la Ire
mouille warmly; Iii there Is anything
can do for YOU, rely implicitly upon
its being accomplished"
Thank you" laid Mario. pressing
his hand.
"If You escape from this hell, as
have The firm hope you will. 60 70 the
Signora Floria Tosca and tell her
what they have done with me-"
Upon my honor. monsieur, will
do It."
"Gently, Of course-you understand.
And" drawing a sea ed packet from
his breast, "give her this letter and
ring. Tell her that nv last thought
was for her, my last prayer for her
happiness"
@Visibly affected, the Marquis re-
piled, ss he took tine letter:
my dear fellow. you can count
upon my fulfilling your request relig-
iously."
Al this moment one Of the guards
approached, and addressing the Mar
quis very respectfully, said:
'.Signor, The time Is nearly up.
Capt. Zaccone may arrive ut any
moment, and do not dare TO allow
You TO remain here any longer"
Go" said Mario. rising, land God
bless You for your kindness!"
The Marquis warmly pressed the
hand extended TO him, and with q sus.
picious moisture about the eyes,
turned and followed the guard. As
they reached the passageway lead.
ing TO the cells, the guard was
about I, enter FIRST, but De la
Tremouille seized him by the shoulder
and thrusting him aside. said proudly.
Monsieur. when there was court
In France, the De 10 Tremouilles took
precedence OF all except the king. ]
have not come to Rome 10 follow such
~ YOU"
DO % you like, Marquis" replied
the guard, impatiently; ''only hurry"
With o sorrowful glance and a. fare
well wave Of the hand 10 the prisoner.
DE Ia Tremouille disappeared In the
passageway, leaving Mari, alone 70
prepare himself TO meet his fate. He
buried his face In his hands and gave
himself mp 70 bitter reflection. In
short time he was reused by . hand
laid upon his shoulder. He faised his
head. Zaccone stood before him.
81 am ready" he said. rising 70 his
feet
at still wants twenty minutes 70
sunrise, /" rejoined the agent II have.
before leading you To-"
A loud knocking Ut the heavy iron
door which led into the public hall
way interrupted his wordk He broke
of, and Fastening 70 the door. un.
locked and opened Il part way. A
woman stood outside, . woman he
knew-Floris Tosca.
Pardon me. Signora," he said, ''no
one n enter here"
.'The regents order!" she replied
haughtily, holding out folded paper.
Zarcone took " scrutinized the sig-
nature carefully, and then with some
thing Of doubt and hesitation, drew
aside and allowed her 70 enter.
In another moment she was IN
Msrio's arms. folded close 10 his heart
.'Florial my own.' he murmurcd.
s'Thanx heaven for this mercy! Il
would have bean tc~ rel 70 have al
lowed me TO die without seeing you
once more"
She raised her eyes 10 his. cyes wild,
hagRard, but full Of sbsolute devo-
ton.
"At lasti" she mprmurrsd, passion-
ately. AT last ] aw with VOC! foa