Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1899-10-22
CHPTER Ii.
A TALK WITH ToMAsso.


The startling effect produced upon the
sentinel by the squeeze of his prisoners
fingers is followed by immediate action.
and had the latter not full faith in the
power of that masonic signal he might be-
lieye himself committed, and about to be
betrayed. For the bandit, after the first
few words exchanged, giides away from
the window, and on through the great
arched entrance of the courtyard, as il to
call his fellow-sentinel. 1t is not for that.
however, but to see that Giovanni is nei-
Their within eye or earshot.
Soon re-entering he makes a complete
circuit of the court, going close around the
walls, and examining every window, as a
policeman on his beat. to assure himself
all are asleep. Satisfied of this, he at
length returns to the place where the pris-
oner anxiously awaits him, and asks in
earnest whisper:
cost Fratello? What do you want me
to do?"
Save the Signoria Lucetta.''
"Lucetta? Who's she?' asks the robber,
not knowing the name.
"Lucetta Torreani. daughter Of the Sin
dico of Val di Orno.''
"Ah! that's the girls name. But how
came you to know she's in any danger?"
From what your comrade Giovanni, has
just been telling you. confess to having
overheard your conversation, as you see
could not well help it. And from the part
you took in it, Signor Tomasso, which
does credit to your heart, l conclude you
are francesca Torreanrs friend, and
would do him service if in your power"
'Ah, signore, that you ask is not in my
power To gainsay the will OF our chief
would be not to risk my life, but to lose it.
There isn't a spot in all Italy where I'd be
safe"
But there are places out Of 1t. I know
one where you'd not only be safe, but
prosperous"
"Where?"
"Inglaterra"
"Che sentow exclaims the bandit, an
idea dawning upon him. Say on. signore.
Presto. to the point On a question of this
kind times precious, and 1t won't do to
waste it,
Il know it, and WON'T
"You propose"
THAT you assist me in saving Lucetta
Torreani For that assistance / propose
to reward you"
in what way?"
with money. You're aware. I take Il.
that the ransom demanded for me is thirty
thousand scudi?"
yes, know all that"
"wel if my father consent to send II,
instead Of the share which you'd get. you
shall have it all yourself I shall answer
for its being paid to you, and not to Cor
vino"
How could you do that?"
by stopping its payment till I reach
England"
Suppose IT should be despatched be-
fore you arrive?'
Not likely. Englishmen. however rich,
don't part with their money without due
deliberation, and sometimes with undue
delay Besides. It's only two days since
the last letter went of, with CorvinFs sig
nature, and my seal" Tomasso smiles
grimly at the grave jest. 1T viii be at
least week after that epistle be delivered
ere any steps be taken. At all events. the
money viii not be forthcoming before
shall be there to stop II. you going with
me"
Tomasso reflects The proposal Is
tempting, fascinating. Thirty thousand
scudi, It would make him gentiluomo
for life.
But there are drawbacks. one OF which
instantly occurs to him.
.Supposing your father refuses the ris-
oneg"
have money OF my own in England, ard
can guarantee you at least SIX thousand
scud- Remember. you shall havs The