Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-06-23

Then he kissed her tenderly and
gayly said: Il shall soon return for
you, my darling" and went his way.
He had not been gone long when
her father returned home somewhat
disappointed.
We'll, Annita," he said II begin to
think your lovers courage has failed
him; nothing has been seen Of the
white gondola."
"Ah. father, you wrong him. He
is prepared, and will boldly pass be-
fore the Doges barge tonight when
the revels are at their height"
Then, by my faith he deserves
you!"
Thereupon, in a burst Of gratitude
at his praise, and proud of her lover,
she told her father he had just left
her, and how he had disguised his
gondola.
He is an ingenious and brave
young hero Annita, you shall
, watch with me, from the Piazetta, the
Doge's discontinue"
Nay, father, l will remain at
home; for 1t would drive me mad to
see him in such danger and not
share it with him"
Very we'll, as you please; but
would not miss the sight for duke
DOM
At this juncture Palombo came fo4
an interview with Signor Metranza,
and the girl retired. But Annita's
maid, who was betrothed to the gon-
dolier, Pietro, and in sympathy with
her mistress love affair." concealed
herself in the heavy curtains and
listened to all that passed between
them.
Yes" she heard Signor Matranza
say, the youth will fulfill his prom
Use tonight"
80 you think" said Palombo, with
soothing laugh.
II know he will. This Briton has
more courage than we thought. My
admiration grows the more l see Of
| him"
Then" said Palombo, with dark,
ominous scowl, you really intend to
give him to your daughter-if he
succeeds"
Il do. Have | not so promised"
Bah! What is promise to such
as he?"
Il have given him my word-if he
succeeds | will keep it."
Then he shall not succeed" Pa
lombo fairly Kissed this threat from
between his cleaning teeth.
you would not thwart him?"
II have discovered his rendezvous"
"Ah! And you will betray him?"
NO; not until he has again affront-
ed the Doge: then he shall not es-
cape"
II will be no party to this treach-
cry"
! But, Signor Matranza, if the Doge
learns, as he may, that you have
given your daughter as a bride for
this insult to him, what of you? Ali"
Il care nothing and fear nothing
for myself"
But. failing to secure the English
man, he would wreak his vengeance
on you, Signor Matranza."
How can he learn?"
Your daughter would be gone the
story would be all over Venice, and
his emissaries would soon connect
you with the conspiracy"
Alas! Signor Palombo, there ia
reason in what you say" and Signor
Matranza paced the room with a
puzzled and distressed countenance.
"Now, this is my purpose" rapidly
continued Palombo; Il will join and
pretend to assist him, but l will so
arrange matters that after he has
discovered himself in the white gon-
dola he shall be entrapped, brought
before the Doge and there will be an
end of him
This CRATES on my conscience; !
cannot assent to it.
"Pah! he is only an idle English
stripping; why need you trouble your
conscience about him? Besides, this
was the agreement between us.
demand its fulfillment," he said,
imperiously.
Demand" cried Signor Matranza,
his eyes flashing angrily at the others
tone.
To be continued.