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

Scarpia drew deep breath and his
eyes CLEANED like those OF q satyr.
His brutal nature had conquered; the
prize was his.
at Ia wise." he said, approaching
her, IF you wish Cavaradossi TO live
II IL always wise to accept the newt
able"
With gesture of unutterable loath'
ing she waved him back.
mo, Il Is not we'll. she said, in low,
distinct tones, more to herself than TO
him. ut 10 infamous, I know II! But
that Ii an affair between h aven and
myself. Let me save the man love
first! will account later with God!"
Scarpia paused, irresolu'e.
''Give your ord RS" she continued.
II wish TO hear them myself and know
that you do not betray me-"
He bowed, with mixture OF sub
mission and gallantry, which was IN
insult in itself, and rang the bell
In few moments, during which no
word was spoken, Zaccone entered the
room.
The regent seated himself at his
desk.
"Zaccone," he said. slowly, fixing
his eyes upon the face OF his rub
ordinate with o glance full Of mean
ing. "Pay strict attention TO the orders
I am about to give You. and see that
they are faithfully AMI exactly carried
out At sunrise you will lead the
prisoner, Mario Cavaradossi, to the
parapet Of the castle. Select q picked
body OF men, men you can trust AT
tend to the guns Yourself and see that
they are loaded with n charge OF pow
der only. Instruct the prisoner TO
fall rs dead. Then withdraw your
men and leave the prisoner to his own
devices Do you understand lac
Gomez"
The agent looked O little puzzled
and sought to read his chiefs mean
ing in his face.
Il think so, your excellency," he
replied wi h some slight hesitation.
''Do exactly rs you did in the case
of Palmira," said Scarpis, slowly and
distinctly.
Zaccone's face cleared
81 understand, your excelency."
III any mistake is made your Life
will pay the forfeit
"I our orders shall be fulfilled TO
the letter, your excellency."
''See TO il that they are. Are you
satisfied, madame?" turning to La
Tosca, who had remained motionless
listening intently to each word.
She gave q gesture OF assent.
You can 20. Zaccone, he continued.
land see that under no pretcnce am j
again disturbed tonight"
As the man left the room, Scarpia
turned to his desk and hustily filled
out and signed two blanks. Floria
watched him, her back to the table.
As the baron finished he arose and
faced her. Instinctively she recoiled
and her hand came into contact with
some sharp, old surf ce. Her heart
gave n great throb; hardly conscious
of what she did, she grasped the ham
die of the knife and, letting her hand
fall TO her side, held IL concealed In
the folds of her dress.
The baron approached holding the
papers In his hand.
''llere is an order which will admit
you to the prisoner" he said; and
here q passport for two. which will
enc BILE you to leave the city"
He placed the papers on the table.
She wat ched his every movement
with n haunted l"ok in her eyes like
that of q young tigress driven to bay.
Her face cleaned ghost-like In the
candle-liyht. but beautiful to q degree
that seemed almost unearthly-the
Nemesis of lhidias warmed into life.
The baron was close beside her. He
laid his hand upon hers which rested
upon the table; II was as cold as ser.
penis skin. and yet n II touched her
flesh she felt as II q red.hot iron had
branded her.
With the look OF q mad woman she
recoiled. With swift agility she drew
the knife from its concealment For