Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-06-30
THE WHITE GONDOLA.
\ Story OF Old Venice.
Continued.

't'A you uenauu III vain. re-
torted the old senator, fiercely.
What! Do you deny me-"
/ do, You first proposed this ar
front to the Doge; and now that the
noble youth may succeed, you would
betray him, l will consent to no such
treachery"
Even though YOU lose my friend.
ship?"
Even so! No threat will change
me-"
Then. Signor Matrauza. you had
best beware Of me as foe. For, by
st. Mark! both of you shall feel my
vengeance!' With this they parted;
and the maid at once acquainted her
mistress with all she had heard.
Annita sought her father
My child" he said, Y have
Quarrelled with Signor PaloGho, for
he means to hctray Lord Wiifred,"
"oh, father!' she gasped. throwing
her arms about his neck in distress,
Have no fear, my child. Your
lover must be told OF his danger,
Know you of his rendezvous"
II do; do! l will let him know"
she cried, impatiently. II will sent
my maid ut once"
And tell him this" continued her
father IF he succeeds, | will join his
ship at the Lido late tonight, and you
shall follow in the morning. We
had better not so together, for Pa.
lombo will have spies at work. Then.
my dear, in some Adriatc port, you
shall be joined in wedlock,"
"oh, father father! how can
thank your" cried the girl, as she
kissed him rapturously, while tears OF
gratitude filled her beautiful eyes,
I'VE must leave Venice for a time.
my dear; for Palombo will hesitate
at no villainy to injure me now"
Sgnor Matranza rapidly made all
preparations for leaving, Then, tell
ing his daughter to follow him in
the morning II he did not return that
night, he went forth in his gondola
to watch events.
When her father had departed An
nita hastily summoned her private
gondola and proceeded to the rendez-
vous Tin side canaD where Lord
Wilfred's craft lay concealed for she
wished to be sure he was made aware
of his danger, When she found her
lover she breathlessly told him of
Palombo's intended treachery, and
pleaded with him not to attempt the
perilous feat for her sake
"Ah, give me up! give me up!
fear my father will be sacrificed by
this INSCRIPTIONS Palombo. He is
now his enemy because he would not
join In betraying you"
Young Wlfred stood perplexed,
deep in thought, and irresolute for
some seconds, and then observed;
"Palombo comes pretending to aid
me, you say?'
Eyes, But do not trust him! All,
do not trust him, Wilfred!'
but / villas would an adder!'
he said fiercey.
Then he led her into the cabin OF
the white gondola, and tenderly said
Your father, Annita. intends to
keep faith with me, have now no
doubt"
HE does, Wllfred he does; | am
sure, am sure!"
Then. my darling, | know ! shall
succeed. VIII you face this exploit
with me?"
"Ah! nothing would content me
more than to share your danger"
And If ! fail -"
Il will still share whatever Is to
come, for | know no world without
youl"
Then may the angels guide our
gondola into placid waters in heav-
on or EARTH care not which. 80
share 1t with you'll"
This tenderness was interrupted by
Sandro warning the lover that
strange gondola had twice passed
down the canal. I'VE should be
moving, signor."
They are the spies OF Palombo,'
said Lord Wilfred. He Is coming
pretending to aid us. but he really
means treachery, and shall be paid IN
kind, as BELTS such a bastard. Now
you and |, Sandro, will lead In the
small craft. and signorina and Pietro
follow in the other. II this Palombo
accosts us-as doubtless he will
you shall pretend to accept his advice.
and bid him lead the way. When he
has gone we will change to the other
craft again, remove the covering from
the small one, and send 1t after him;
and we will escape in the opposite
direction while he leads the Doge's
emissaries on a false chase-which
will go hard with him. II captured
TITS we'll planned. signor."
you can trust this new Condo.
lier?'
With my life. signor He is heart
and soul with US"
Lord Wilfred then rapidly explained
his purpose to Annita, the transfer
was made. and the two crafts. keep
ing close together, put forth. The