Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1895-07-25

myself from falling. The street rocked
like a ship at sea. and the SKIES
whirled round me In circles OF bfue
fire. The feeling slowly passed, and
I heard the monks voice, as though
1t were long way of. asking me
anxiously what was the matter
forced smile.
at Is the heat, think" said. In
feeble tones like those of a very aged
man. 81 am faint-giddy. You had
best leave me her-see to the boy. oh,
my God"'
The last exclamation was wVung out
of ME by sheer anguish. My limbs re-
fused to support me and a pang, cold
and bitter as though naked steel had
been thrust through my body, caused
me to sink down upon the pavement
in n kind of CONFUSION. The tall and
sinewy monk, without moments
hesitation, dragged me up and half
carried, half-led me into kind Of au-
berge. or restaurant for the poorer
classes. Here he placed ME in a re-
cumbent position on one of the wood
Ell benches ana called up the proprie
tor of the place, man to whom he
seemed to be we'll known. Though
suffering acutely I was conscious, and
could hear and see everythin that
passed.
ATTEND to him we'll, Pietro, 1t Is the
rich Count Fabio Romani. Thou wilt
not lose by the pains. I will return
within an hour"
1.-The Count Romani! Santissima
Madonna! He has caught the plague"
"Thou foolv' exclaimed the monk,
fiercely. "How canst thou tell? A
stroke Of the sun is not the plague,
thou coward! See to him, or by st.
Peter and the keys there shall be no
place for thee in heaven"
The trembling innkeeper looked ter
rif1ed at this menace and submissively
approached me with pillows. which he
placed under my head. The monk,
meanwhile, held glass to my lips
containing some medicinal mixture,
which I swallowed mechanically.
"Rest here, my son." he said, ad-
dressing me in soothing tones. "These
people are good-natured. 1 will but
hasten to the boy for whom you
sought assistance. In less than an
holr will be with you again."
l laid OBTAINING hand on his arm.
"Stay," murmured feebly, "let me
know the worst. Is this the plague?"
II hope not" he replied compassion
ately. "But what if it be? You are
young and strong enough to fight
against it without fear"
II have no fear" said. "But, faith
er, promise ME one thing; send no
word of my illness to my wife; swear
it. Even if 1 am unconscious-dead-
swear that 1 shan not be taken to the
villa. Swear it. cannot rest till l
have your word"
II swear it most willingly, my son."
he answered solemnly. "By all I hold
sacred, 1 will respect your wishes"
l was infinitely relieved; the safety
Of those I loved was assured; and 1
thanked him by mute gesture. I
was too weak to say more. He disap-
peared and my brain wandered into
chaos of strange fancies. Let me
try tc resolve these delusions. plain
ly see the interior of the common room
where I lie. There is the timid inn
keeper; he polishes his glasses and
bottles, casting ever and anon scared
glance in my direction. Groups of
men look in at the door, and, seeing
me, hurry away. 1 observe all thia;, /
know where l am; yet I am, also
climbing the steep passes of an Alpine
gorge; the cold snow is at my feet; I
hear the rush and roar of thousand
torrents. A crimson cloud floats above
the summit of white glacier; 1t parts
asunder gradually, and in its bright
center face smiles forth. Nina, my
love, my wife, my soul!' I cry aloud.
l stretch out my arms; clasp her.
Bah! it is this good rogue of an Inn
keeper who holds me in his musty en-
brace. struggle with him fercely,
pantingly.