The Press., 1899-08-17

were some Authorizations, he succeeded
in reconstructing and deciphering it, SO
that he read:
M. SPvRIO CONS.
ANN. DCCCXXXI. A. V. G.
CECVBVM.
Which doubtless meant, being inter-
preted, that under the consulate of Mar
Gus Spurius, the eight hundred and
thirty first year of the Roman era and
the year 70 of the Christian era-that
fs, the very year of the dread eruption
which entombed Pompeii wine of
Cecuba, wondrous product, sung by
every poet, had been inclosed in this
amphora.
Wine Of Cecuba, co-eval with the
Empero Titus!
What was perhaps most noticeable
and peculiar was the seal. in the inn
preston of which on the crushed wax
could be traced, beneath two outspread
wings of graceful design. the Greek
word, "Zoe" (ife). Perhaps a tribute
to the wines revivifying qualities, per-
haps only a superstitious emblem.
The amphora appeared to be genuine,
| and the seal was intact.
"Where does this come from?''
"From the wine cellar of the iedile
| Pansa, connoisseur.
cit is really very curious discov-
cry"
"Rarer yet in this. 1t is still full"
"Would you have me believe in a
wine of Cecuba 1900 years old2'' asked
Louis. laughing.
| "Why not2"
| "Absurdl'
'Listenl' The landlord shook the
amphora, and they heard the gurgling
Of the liquid within.
sis this trick? How is it that
Vesuvius itself did not dry it up?"..
"Pompeii was engulfed and buried,
but not burned.
"That does not sufficiently explain
it,
Chi 10 sa?' don't try to explain
it. / hear the wine murmur in it's pris
on. Will you try it? 1t was too tart
too crude for the adile Pansas, but fol
you it is just at the right stage. y
"No, indeed. I should not care fol
it's flavor of pitch. its resinous aroma
picatum, as said the Pompeiians, and
would much prefer the growth of your
own vineyard, the black, sweet wine
warmed by the heat of the sun and thu
volcano. 1t is rather heavy, but palata
BILE don't feel much confidence il
this fossil Cecuba."
"You are wrong
"Come, my host, if 1 were inclined
to be superstitious l should distrus
you and your wine. No sooner do I asl
for such an impossib BILE wine than yo'
bring it, and in an amphora, owe
which at this very moment, / have NJ
doubt, is lowering the spirit of the eide
Pliny."
eat least, signor, you might tast'
it,"
Irreverently breaking the inviolat
seal, the landlord removed the wrapping
around the amphora's mouth, skimme,
off the drop of OIL which protected tn
liquor from contact with the air, then
handing an antique goblet to his guest
he filled it with half the contents of tn
amphora, the famous Cecuba wine, ant
smilingly withdrew.
Louis watched him without remon
STRANGE. He held the cup up before hi
eyes, and, in spite of his iLcredulity ad
mired the ruby red color of the wine
with burned topaz sparkle, as tn
sun shone through it.
But no sooner had the wine passe,
his lips than a sudden heat, as of liqui,
tire. ran through his veins, a subtl
exalation rose to his brain.
The goblet, falling from his hand
struck and broke the glass in which tn
lizard was confined. Instead of escap
ing. it glided with the swiftness o
tightening along the neck of the am
phora and disappeared within it with
out being perceived by Louis, entrances
in reverie.
"Zoe!" suddenly exclaimed a clea
and melodious voice.
Louis started, woke, drew his ham
across his eyes and stared at the spo
from which the voice seemed to come.
The room was now in darkness, saw
for fading glimmer of the sun s las
ray, and cut CT this vague twiligh
there glided toward him the slende
form of young and marvelonsly beau
tiful woman.
Glow came you hereY'' he asked il
bewilderment.
''Dreamerl" murmured the youn
girl, laying her white. jeweled han
, upon his and gazing softly into hi
eyes.
Through the silken waves of her JET
black hair, smooth as satin, perfume
> with rarest essences, was drawn whit
fillet, like the line of silver stream i
the darkness of the night. The ne
which EMBODIED them sparkled wit
pearls and brilliant shells. Her rounde
chin, touched with soft dimple, tn
straight classic nose, the voluptuou
curve of the lips, were modelled on til
lines of an antique cameo.
The long gray cloak in which the fai
} unknown was enveloped half conceale
white garment, the long tunic c
stola, which gave her the appearance