Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-06-10

The monk looked at me attentiyel.
as we walked on together.
You are not residing in Naples?
he asked.
l gave him my name, which d
knew by repute, and described tn
position of my villa.
up on that height We enjoy perfec
health" l added. Il cannot under
stand the panic that prevails in tn
city. The plague is fostered by sucl
Lcowardice"
"Of course," he answered, calmly
but what will you? the people her
love pleasure. Their hearts are Sc
solely on this life. When death, com
mon to all, enters their midst, the!
are like babes scared by dark shadow
Religion itself''-here he sighed deepl,
has no hold upon them"
But you, my father" [ began, and
stopped abruptly, conscious of
sharp throbbing pain in my temples.
t." he answered. gravely, lam tn,
servant of Christ. AS such, the plague
has no terTors for me- Unworthy as
am, for my Masters sake I am ready
nay, willing-tO face all Deaths"
He spoke firmly, yet without AFRO
gance. [ looked at him in a certain
admiration, and was about to speak
when a curious dizziness Oyercame me-
and | caught at his arm to save my
self from falling. The street rocked
| like ship at sea, and the skies whirl-
&c round me in circles Of blue fire. The
feeling slowly passed, and I heard the
monks voice, as though it we're a long
way off, asking me anXiously what was
the matter. I forced smile.
1T is the heat, I think" l said, in
feeble tones like those of a very aged
man. Il am faint-giddy. You had
best leave me here-see to the boy.
Oh, my God!'
This last exclamation was wrung out
Of me by sheer anguish My limbs
refused to support me, and a pang,
cold and bitter as though naked steel
had been thrust through my BODY.
caused me 10 sink down upon the pave
ment in kind of CONFUSION. The tall
and sineWy monk, without a moments
hesitation, dragged me up and half
carried, half led me into a kind of
auberge, or restaurant for the poorer
classes. Here he placed me in a re-
cumbent position on one OF the wooden
benches, and called up the proprietor
of tic place, a man to whom he seem, I'd
to be we'll known. Though suffering
acuIely | was conscious, and could
hear and see everything that passed.
Attend to him well, Pietro-it is the
rich Count Fabio Romani Thou wilt
rot lose by thy pains. I will return
within an hour"
The Count Romani! Santissima
Madonna! He has caught the plague!'
Thou fool!' exclaimed the monk,
fieTcely. 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 beaven!'
The trembling innkecper' looked ter
r1Iled at this menace, and submissivelv
approached me with pillows, which he
placed under my head. The monk.
meanwhile, held a glass to my Inns
containing some medical mixture,
which | swallowed mechanically.
Rest here, my son." he said. adj
dressing me in soothing tones. "These
people are good-natured. I will but
hasten to the boy for whom you sought
asslstance-in less than an hour I
will be with you again.
l laid OBTAINING hand on his arm.
Stay I murmured, feebIy, "let me
know the worst. Is this the plague2"
= hope mott" he replied, compassion
ately. But what if it be? You are
young and strong enough to fight
against it without fear"
/ have no fear" I said. @eBut,
father, promise me one thing-send no
word OF my illness to my wife-swear
it! Even if am nconscious-dead
swear that I.shall not be taken to the
villa. Swear it! [ cannot rest till !
have your word"
Il swear it most willingly. nv son ,,
ne answered, solemnly. by all
hold sacred, I will respect your
wishes
| was infinitely relieved-the safety
OF those [ loved was assured-and 7
thanked him by mute gesture. was
TOO weak to say more. He disappeared.
and my brain wandered into a chaos
o. strange fancies. Let me try to re-
Volve these decisions. I plainly see the
interior of the common room where 7
lie. There is the timid innkeeper-he
poIishes his glasses and bottles, east
Ing ever and anon a scared glance in
my direction. Groups Of men look in
at the door, and, seeing me. hurry
away. l observe all this-I know
where l am-yet I an also climbing
the steep passes of an Alpine gorge
the cold snow is at my feet hear the
rush and rear of thousand torrents.
A crimson cloud floats about the sum-
nit OF a white glacier-it parts asun-
der gradually, and in its bright center
face smiles forth! Nina! NV wife
my souI!' [ cry aloud I stretch ont
: my arms-1 clasp her! bah! it is this
good rogue Of an innkeeper who holds
me in his musty embrace I struggle
! with him fiercely-pantingl