Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-06-16

ambassador show us our meauer rani
nv parading In their gaily-paintet
craft"
GAY, by the grave Of st. Mark, VI
Venetians are craven slave 10 SUB
mit!"
"If one but dared break the decree
to learn the penalty"
"The penalty is death. Did yo,
not hear the Doge's warning. HI
said in the chamber at our last meet
ing, the first who broke the decree
should forfeit his head, as did the
traitors OF old"
ut may be only an idle threat
Now, II we could but find some
Jealous youth who would rather be q
dead martyr than a living nobody
we might test the Doge's power
"I grasp your meaning The pop
ulace, you think, abhor this decree;
once It was broken, they would never
allow the daring patriots execution
"Such, sIgnor Matranzas, is my
reasoning"
"Oi, that we could find such a man!
For my heart is set on repeating this
unrepublican distinction.
I'VE may yet vote 1t In the council
1--WE may, we may; but this plan
would hasten matters. But enough
Of this for time. Signor Palombo,
know you came to speak OF my
daughter"
~ did, Signor Matranza, hoping for
your confirmation to my suit"
How has she received your ad-
dresses?"
"But coldly Of late; but that |
take to be her coquetry at my impet-
uous ardor."
Know you of any rlval?"
"None, Signor Matranza. None
that | own In Venice" and the ro-
tund little peacock smiled contemptu-
Gully at the bare suggestion, and
stroked his beard complacently.
II fear you have one, Signor Palom-
bo."
Surely you jest, good friend"
Would that did; but must speak
of what | know, though 1t pains
me to wound 80 old friend by the
telling"
Then Slgnor Matranza related what
he had CLEANED from his daughter
as to her fondness for Lord Wilfred.
and concluded by saying:
at is but glrlish fancy, after all;
we need not take 1t seriously"
But the vain Palombo's brow had
darkened; he did take 1t
seriously. Gradually sinister smile
oyerspread his ollie features; then he
asked:
Does this tawny lord come here
today"
II expect him every moment
Does he know OF my accepted
position?"
II think not"
Were you about to deny him?"
81 was, for | have pledged my word
to you,
"Then grant his suite favor me- "
pray, Signor Palombo, do not take
oifense. | know your worth; no
senator in Venice stands higher in my
esteem"
"You mistake me, signor. Grant
his suit on one conditlon-that he
prove himself as worthy OF your
daughter AS l."
THAT Ia impossible,
THE compliment | may not deserve.
But II he is denied he becomes a hero
In Annlta's eyes. Therefore II you
set him some courageous but impossI-
bic feat, and he fall, he Is no longer
n hero to her maiden fancy. SO do
accept a rival to dispose OF him"
81 see the wisdom of your scheme.
But what impossible feat can de.
mand?"
Slgnor Palombos eyes sparkled
with nendish satisfaction, as he re-
Piled
AN exploit by which, II he succeed
In carrying through. he will lose his
head, and a presumptuous would-he
rival"
An attendant entered at this juno
ture, saying the young Englishman
was below awaiting an audience.
81 will speak with him presently
said SIgnor Matranza. and the servant
retired.
Eagerly and hastily the crafty Pa
lombo explained his plan. When he
had heard It. Signor Matranza OBJ.
served
Nothing could be better. But
fear this lily-faced swain has not the
courage to attempt"
Palombo retired to an adjoining
room and the young Englishman was
ushered into the senator's presence.
Lord Wilfred. OF Davenport, was 9
stalwart, cheerful. open faced tlaxen
haired young man. with bright blu,
eyes, and breezy frankness in hi'
manner which smacked of life OF
the open sea-
The senator babe him be seated
and presently asked: