Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1898-06-27

broken; decOrum thrown to the
winds; reckless filtration and jovial
banter reigned supreme. Now and
again, during the lull in the general
uproar, the sweet voice of pathetic
singer foated melodiousily over the
water, and then it was abruptly
drowned by the merry twing-a-ling
Of a mandolin in a passing craft;
and this, in turn, gave place to a
bright-eyed coquette, who, with a
ripping laugh, tossed a cluster Of
roses to the young Englishman, blew
him kiss with her shapely fingers,
and, lifting her velvet mask for an
instant, gave him a view of her hand
some face and flashing eyes. But
Lord Wilfred was too intent on dis
covering Palombo to heed all this.
He had not to wait; a small gondola
passed had suddenly turned about
and then followed. AS it a second
time came alongside the small gon-
dola Lord Wilfred recognized the
short, plump figure of his rival.
Palombo leaned over the side and
whispered: "You are the English
man. I wish you to succeed.
would advise you.
''Who are your" asked Sandro.
ga friend, sent by Signor Matran-
"a to aid you"
'Ah! then we may trust you.
What have you to adviser
''First, where is the white Condo
la?"
"There, following close at hand, !"
replied Lord Wilfred, pointing to the
craft in which Annita was concealed
"But that gondola is black"
cit is covered with silk, which we
can strip off in an instant"
"Ah, good!" cried Palombo.
Bravo! it is we'll contrived. Why
are you not with it?'
''I was about to board it when you
came up
''Will you follow my advice?"
asked Palombo.
eff 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 hesitated moment, and
in an undertone began talking to his
own gOndOlier.
'Now, what have you to tell me-?
urged Lord Wilfred. 'Speak quickly,
for we are approaching the Piazzet-
ta"
ct will join your man to convince
YOU of my sincerity" replied Palom-
bo.
Sandro assisted him to board the
disguised craft; then his own sped
a.way in the direction of the Doge's
barge, which now could be distin-
guished by it's blazing lights mid
stream. opposite the Doge's palace.
81 would advise" said Palombo,
.fthat you should steer between the
Doge's barge and the Piazetta; for,
as you can see, it is at present less
crowded, and your escape would be
easier"
"I see it is less crowded" he re-
piled but decided in his own mind to
take the opposite course.
Besides, the Doge has by some
secret means learned of your coming,
and expects you from the other direc-
tion."
"Ah! is it SOP said Wilfred. Then
lead the way in this craft, and we
will follow in the other"
'Good!" cried Palombo. cit COULD
not be better"
"And at a signal from you will
expose the white gondola."
Bravo! bravo!" exclaimed Palom-
DO, delighted with the apparent sue
cess of his treachery.
Wilfred sfgnalled for Pietro to come
alongside: then he and Sandro
quickly boarded Annita'sf gondola.
She was concealed in the cabin, so
that Palombo did not see her.
They were now within a hundred
yards of the Doge's barge: Palombo
urged the gondolier to increase his
speed, which he did, and the vessel
sped onward, the other close along
side. Palombo gave the signal.
Lord Wilfred snatched the torch
from the prov of the barca and
touched the silken-cased craft in
which Palombo sat; for an instant
the oily fabric flashed all over like
a train of powder, then as quickly
died out concealing the white hull and
cabin Of the gondola, and the terror
stricken Palombo seated near the
PROV; while Pietro and Sandro with
a few powerful strokes turned Ami
tafs craft abruptly aside.
A shout from the Doge's barge told
that Palombo in the white gondola
was discovered, for he had sent his
boatman to say it was coming.
"Seize the villain!" cried the
Doge's chamberlain.
The emissaries of the Doge were
soon upon him, and he was quickly
secured. He struggled, protested,
and exclaimed frantically: II am
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