Waterbury evening Democrat., 1895-01-07

Leonard thought moment II suppose 1t must be SO, he said, but God knows 1t is a terrible alternative. How can trust that woman Soai And yet if do not trust her Juanna will be killed at once"
 You must take the chance of it" an. swered Francisco. After all, she is fond of her mistress, and it was because she grew jealous that she fled to Nam and be- trayed us."
 "There Is another thing" said Leonard. "How arc we to get Juanna awayf If once she suspects the plot, there will be an end of it. Soa, come hither."
 She came, and he put this question to her, telling her at the same time that Francisco consented to the scheme, and that Juanna slept behind the curtain and might awake at any moment.
 II have that with me which shall over come the difficulty, deliverer," answered Soa, flor foresaw it. See here" And she drew 0 small gourd from her dress. ''This is the same water of which Saga gave your black dog to drink when I es- capped you. Now mix it with some spirit, go to the Shepherdess, awake her and bid her drink this to comfort her. She will obey, and immediately deep sleep will take her again that shall hold her fast for six hours.'
 1t is not poisonS'' asked Leonard sus- piciously.
 "No, it is no poison. What need would there be to poison one who must die at dawni''
 Then Leonard did as he was told. Tax ing a tin pannikin, one of their few pos sessions, he emptied the sleeping draft in- to it and added enough native brandy to color the water. Next he went into Juan mas room and found her fast asleep upon the great bed. Going up to her, he touched her gently on the shoulder, saying, Wake up, love" She raised herself and opened her eyes.
 "Is that you, Leonardr' she said q was dreaming that was 0 girl again and at school at Durban, and that 1t was time to get up for early service at the church. Oh, remember now. Is it dawn yets''
 No, dear, but 1t soon will be-" he an- swered. Here, drink this. It will give you courage"
 She took the pannikin and drank me chemically
 How horrid that spirit tastes!' she said, then sank back slowly on the cushion and in another minute was sound asleep again. The draft was strong, and it worked quickly. Leonard went to the cur tain and beckoned to Soa and the others. They all entered except the priests, who remained clustered together near the door way of the great chamber talking in low tones and apparently taking no notice of what passed.
 Take of that robe, Baldpate," said Soa. II must give you another"
 He obeyed, and while Soa was engaged in clothing Juanna's senseless form in the robe of the priest Francisco, drawing his diary from the pocket in his vest where he kept it, rapidly wrote @ few lines on a blank page; then, shutting the book, hand ed it to Leonard, together with his rosary, to which a little ivory cruciflx was sus- pended, saying:
 Let the sonora read what have writ ten here after am dead, not before, and give her this cruciflx in memory of me. Many Is the time that have prayed for her upon it. Perhaps she will wear 1t after I am gone, and though she is Prot estant sometimes offer up a prayer for me-"
 Leonard took the book and the rosary, and placing them in an inner pocket turned to Otter and rapidly explained to him the meaning of all that was being done
 By this time Soa, helped by tho priest himself, had Arrayed Francisco in the black robe of Aca. The white dress she wore in the temple ceremonies he did not put on, for it remained upon Juanna, be- ing completely hidden from sight, how ever, by the priests cassock.
 Who would know them apart nowf" asked Soa triumphantly, then added, handing Leonard the great ruby which she had taken from Juanua' s forehead: Here, deliverer this belongs to you, Do not lose the stone, for you have gone through much to win it." Leonard took the gem, and Ht first was minded to dash it into the old woman's sneering face, but re- membering the uselessness of such a per formance thrust it into his pocket, to- gether with tho rosary.
 Como, let us be going" said Soa. You must carry the Shepherdess, deliver CT. will say that it is Baldpate who has tainted with fear. Farewell, Baldpatel After all, you are brave man, and hon. or you for this deed. Keep the hood we'll about the face, and if you would preserve the Shepherdess alive be silent, answering no word whoever addresses you and utter ing no cry, however great your fear.'
 Francisco went to tho bod where Juan na lay, and bending down kissed her gen- tly on the forehead; then holding out his hand above her, as though in blessing, he muttered some words of prayer or fare well, and turning clasped Leonard in his arms, kissed him and blessed him also
 ''GOodby, Franoiscoi'' said Leonard in @ choking voice. ''Surely the Kingdom of heaven is made up of such as youl''
 Do not weep, my friend" answered the priest, "for there in that kingdom shall greet you and her.