Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-06-30

banter retgned supreme, Now and
again, during the lull In the general
uproar, the sweet voice OF a pathetic
singer tIoated melodiousily over the
water, and then II was abruptly
drowned by the merry twing-a-ling
OF a mandolin in n passing craft;
and this, in turn, save place TO
hrtght-eyed coQuetto, who. with
ripping laush, tossed cluster OF
roses to the young Englishman, blew
him a kiss with her shapely fingers,
and lifting her velvet mask for an
instant, gave him view Of her hand
some face and flashing eyes, But
Lord Wilfred was too intent on dis
covering Palomho to heed all this,
He had not % wait; small gondola
passed had suddenly turned about
and then followed, AS it second
time came alongside the small gon-
dola Lord Wiltred recognized the
short, plump figure OF his rival.
Palombo leaned over the side and
whispered; You are the English
man. wish You to succeed |
would advise YOU,
who are YOU" asked Sandro.
"A friend, sent by Signor Matran-
"a to aid you.
"Ah! then we may trust you.
What have you to adviser"
First, whore is the white condo
Lag"
There following close at hand"
replied Lord Wilfred pointing to the
craft in which Annita was concealed,
but that gondola is black
1t is covered with silk, which we
can strip OF In an instant"
"Ah, good!" cried Palombo,
Bravo! 1t is we'll contrivod, Why
are you not with IT."
II was about to board II when you
came up"
Will you follow my adviceF"
asked Palombo.
If YOU can assure me that you
are indeed my friend. "
What assurance do you needg'
Join my gondolier In this craft,
and lead the way with him"
Palombo hesitated moment, and
in an undertone began talking to his
own gopdoler.
Now, what have you to tell me?'
urged Lord Wilfred, Speak quickly,
for we are approaching the PiazEet-
Ia"
II will Join your man to convince
you Of my sincerity" replied Palom-
DO.
Sandro assisted him to board the
disguised craft, then his own sped
away In the direction of tho 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 Palomho,
that you should steer between the
Dogcs barge and the Piazetta; for,
as you can see, 1t is Mt present less
crowded, and your escape would be
easier"
Il see It is less crowded" he re-
piled but decided in his own mind to
take tho opposite course,
Besides, the Doge has by some
secret means learned OF your coming.
and expects you from the other direc-
ton"
"Ah! Is It so?' said Wllfrcd, Then
lead the way In this craft, and We
will follow in the other"
Good" cried palombo. ut COULD
not be better"
And ut signal from you Will
expose the white gondola'
Bravo! bravo!" exclaimed Palom-
DO, delighted with the apparent sue
cess OF his treachory.
Wilfred signalled for Pietro to come
alongside; then he and Sandro
quickly boarded Annltas gondola.
She was concealed in the cabin, so
that Palombo did not see her
They were now within n 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 Wlfred snatched the torch
from the PROV OF the barca and
touched the slken-cased craft In
which Palombo sat; for an instant
the oily fabric flashed all over like
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
tas 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 1t was coming.
"Seize the yillain!" 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: Il am
not the offender was lured into
this gondola by trick-the real
traitor is In That gondola!" Palombo
continued pointing To Lord Will
fred's vanishing craft. which was now