The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-10-19
The White Gondola.
"a Tale of Old Venice. In Five Chapters
Chapter V.

! from the east, and dark clouds hung ovei
J the Lido, obscuring the stars and forebod
| ing an approaching storm
AS they entered the Grand Canal the rev.
| elry was at its height; hundreds OF gondolas
decked with flowers and laden with merry
companies Of maskers, darted here and
there. Under the influence OF wine and
protected by masks, the cord Of etiquette
was broken; decorum thrown to the winds,
reckless Irritation and jovial banter reign
ed supreme. New and again, during the
lull in the general uproar, the sweet voice
OF pathetic singer fioated melodiously
over the water. and then it was abruptly
drowned by the merry twing -a-ling of :.
mandolin in a passing craft; and this n
turn gave place TO a bright-eyed coquette
VINO. with a ripping laugh, tossed clus-
ter of roses 10 the young Englishman,
blew him kiss with her shapely fingers
and lifting her velvet mask for an instant,
gave him a view OF her handsome face
and flashing eyes. But Lord W.lfred was
too intent on discovering Palombo 20 heed
all this. He had not TO wait; small gon-
dola passed. and suddenly turned abou;
and then followed. AS il a second time
came alongside the small gondola, Lord
Wilfred recognized the short, plump fig
ure of his rival.
Palombo leaned over the side and whis-
pered: You are the Englshman. I wish
you to succeed. I would advise you"
who are you?" asked Sandro.
"a friend sent by Signor Matranza to
aid you"
"Ah, then, we may trust you. What have
you 10 adviser
First, where is the white gondola?"
There, following close at hand" re-
Piled Lord Wilfred, pointing TO the craft
in which Annita was concealed.
But that gondola is black
ut is covered with silk, which we can
strip off in an instant
"Ah, good,' cried Palombo Bravo.
II is well contrived. Why are you not
with it?'
IT was about to board it when you came
up
viii you follow my advice?" asked Pa
iombo.
IF you can assure me that you are indeed
my friend
What assurance do you need?'
Join my gondolier in this craft, and
lead the way with him.
Palombo hesiIated a moment, and in an
rndertone began talking with his own gon-
dolier.
Now, what have you to tell me?" urged
Lord W,lfred. Speak quickly, for We are
approaching the Piazzetta."
l will join your man, 10 convince you
of my sincerity replied Palombo.
Sandro assisted him to board the disguis-
ed craft; then his own sped away in the
direction of the Doge's barge. which could
now be distinguished by its blazing lights
midstream, opposite the Doge's palace.
Il would advise" said Palombo, that
you should steer between the Doges barge
and the Piazzetta; for as you can see,
IL is at present less crowded, and your es-
cape would be easier
II see it is less crowded." replied VIII
fred, but deciding in his own mind to take
the opposite course.
Besides, the Doge has by some secret
means learned of your coming, and ex-
poets you from the other direction"
All! Is it SOP" said Wilfred. Then,
lead the wayin this craft and we willlfollow
in the other"
Good" cried Palombo. 'It could not
be better
And at a signal from you will expose
the white gondola.''
Bravo, Bravo." exclaimed Palombo, de-
lighted with the apparent success of his
treachery.
Wilfred signalled for Pietro to come
alongside; then he and Sandro quickly
boarded Annita's gondola. She was con-
ceaied in the cabin, so that Palombo did
not see her.
They were now within a hundred yards
of the Doges barge; Palombo urged the
gondoler TO increase his speed, which ne
did, and the vessel sped onward, the other
close alongside. Palombo gave the sig
nal.
Lord Wilfred snatched the torch from
the prov of the barca and touched the
silk-encased craft in which Palombo sat !;
for an instant the oily fabric flashed all
over ike train of powder, then as quick
ly died out, revealing the white hull and
cabin of the gondola, and the terror-strick-
en- Palombo seated near the Prov while
Pietro and Sandro with a few powerful
strokes turned Annitas craft abruptly
aside.
A shout from the Doges barge told that
Palombo in the white gondola was discov-
cred. for ne had sen his boatman TO say
ii was coming.
Seize the viliain.' cried the Doges
chamberlain.
The emissaries OF the Doge were soon
upon him, ana he was quickly secured He
struggled, protested. and exclaimed fran
tically: II am not the ofender-I was
lureG into this gondola by trick-the real
traitor is in that gondola." Palombo con-
tinued pointing to Lord Wilfreds vanish
ing craft, which was now seen TO be white
also, for the lover had boldly removed
the covering.
Secure the accomplish" cried the Doge.
"A hundred golden pieces if you capture
him." as he noticed the second white
craft
A dozen gondolas sped after the English
man. But while the Doge's minions were
securing Palombo. Pietro and Sandro had
gained thirty PAGES.
Lord Wilfred threw the torch into the
sea, then seated himself again beside An
nita and looked back.
Look she cried. pointing astern:
there Is one gondols with two powerful
men leading the rest, and gaining upon
US"
who are they. sandro?' asked Lord
Wifred
''Fratini. the Mock Doge' o, the day
and his mate-two clever gondoliers; t,t
we 90 not fear them. signor."
But they are slowly overtaking US"
They have been in the revels all day,
and are filed with stale wine: their
strength Will not last" answered P!etro.
with contempt.
still. they have less weight 70 carry"
True signor. but We shall ou;last them
interposed Sandro.
Nevertheless. the foremost goudola con-
tiaued 10 gain slowly upon them. TIE rest
OF the pursuers had ore by one given up
the chase
A gust OF wind now suddenly swept over
the lagoons. thunder peale6 and doomed.
and dense black clouds hid The pursuers
from Their view. except when row and
again vivid flashes OF lightning revealed