The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1896-12-04

Twelve years. with all the changes
that SO long a period of time brings,
have passed since the loss that had so
wrung the heart of Sir George. He had
grown gray and many a wrinkle crossed
his manly brow.
\ gypsy band were in the West Rid
ing of Yorkshire, England. and the
beautiful danseuse Minitti, with her
handsome companion, was perform
ing to the delighted villagers of the
country. 1t did not escape the inquisi
tive eyes of the spectators that her
companion, Fernando. watched with
loving eye each motion of Minitti.
The little town in the environs of
which the gypsy band were encamped
was one day thrown into commotion by
one of the inhabitants declaring that
an article of considerable value had
been stolen from his house. One of the
inhabitants even remembered 10 have
seen a female of the tribe near the door
of the house whence the jewel was
missing. and was ready 10 make oath
that il was none other than Manitti, the
danseuse of the tribe
This was quite sufficient. and upon
such strong gcircumstantial evidence the
beautiful girl was seized and Tudely
carried before the justice of the county
for examination. In vain was all proof
offered by the tribe as to her innocence;
no court would heed gypsy's evidence,
and the Justice was forced. though COM
passion was in his heart, aye, and it
Beamed broadly from his countenance,
too. to commit the girl.
Immediately after the Justice had
pronounced the sentence. and the weep
ing girl was about to be borne away by
the officers of the court, a young man
stepped suddenly forward from the
crowd and said. while he thrust aside
the rough hands that were extended to
seize Minitti:
''Stand back. if you would not have
me take your lives. The girl is inno-
cent stole the Jewel. Why should you
charge this upon that gentle being. in
nocent and pure, aye. purer than the
best of We, 1t is | who am guilty"
"Thou!" cried the gypsy girl, ''im-
possible, Fernandez" for il was her
companion of the dance. And the gen
tie girl. rejoicing to find one friend so
near her in this fearful moment. threw
her arms about his neck and wept upon
his breast.
Even so, dear Minitti,' he replied,
''but fear not for me, | shall soon be
released again. Keep up a brave heart,
dear girl
As he said these words, the justice
directed officers TO release the girl and
commit the young man to prison, glad
of an opportunity to clear one whom
hscould not find in his heart to commit.
The Justice was Sir George PaSely,
and that same night while he sat alone
in his study, musHg upon the exam
ination of the gypsy and the singular
circumstances relating to it, "A serv-
ant announced that a stranger de
sired to see him. He was admitted, and
the tall, gaunt person of the gypsy
leader was before him. Sir George mo
toned him to n seat.
Judge" said he at orce, 81 am a
man of few words. L have come here
on n matter of business. and with your
permission will speak at Once to the
point"
60 on, sir"
Twelve years ago." continued the
gypsy, you lost a child"
The old man sprang like an infuri-
ated animal upon the person of the gyp-
sy, and, seizing him by the throat, had
nearly thrown him upon the floor be
fore the gypsy sufficiently recovered
himself to release his neck from Sir