Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1899-04-26

strument of upsetting the political plot to
murder, in which the old conspirator had
share.
"A good day to you, Messer Ceci," said
Il have come to settle my account"
ut is of long standing" he replied, some
what brusquely; but was not going to lose
my temper, as had things to find out\
"All the more pleasure in receiving it"
and, placing a couple of gold pieces on the
table, received my quittance and change.
''Messer Ceci," l went on, II leave Flor
ence to-day and there has been ill blood be-.
tween us-your making entirely. cannot
forget, however, that when l was i'll you
helped me much, and that in other ways you
were kind. Let us part friends-and, Messer
Ceci, you are old. I would advise you to let
matters of state alone"
lie looked at me, and the corners of his
mouth hardened, as he said: leave me
and my age alone, Messer Donati. If it was
not for you there would have been deed
done last night at which all Florence would
have >rung again. ::
$50 your precious nephew brought the
news to you this morning?" I answered,
with question, hazarding shot. 81
Ceci remained silent, and, drawing nv
conclusions, I went on: "Had what you
plotted succeeded you would have been in a
fair way to taste the arms of the rack. Even
now you are not safe. You see, Ceci, know
too much, and it would be wise to be civil.'
mot safe," and he laughed scornfully-
"who says am not safe?" p
II do-remember the secretary has long
arms"
"There are others who have longer, M-sser
Donati, and dead tonguecan tell no tales -
II take your warming" l replied, and,
turning on my heel, sought my chamber to
await Machiavelli's messenger. could not
help thinking had been wise to force The
conversation with the intendant as 1 had
done, and was sure, now that Ceci and the
other conspirators were aware who had
spoiled their soup, they would devote lit.
tie attention to me. 1t behooved me, there.
fore, to wear loose sword for the future,
and look we'll into corners before I passed
them. l was not sure, moreover, whether
should still consider myself bound by my
promise OF secrecy, now that had been as
much as told that the conspirators were like
~ to include me in their plans, and turn
their knives on ME. / could we'll see that the
secretary would not be able to retaliate by
the open process OF the law against the at
tack made on him, considering the circum.
stances under which it took place. That he
would do so, however, under the mask
felt sure,> and he had received sufficient
warning. Whilst thus rejecting heard the
gong in the yard below me strike II, aid
shortly after heavy steps assembled the stairs
with the sound of much putting and blowing
The new arrival stopped at my landing, and
knocked firmly at my door. Thinking It best
to be careful, l .unsheathed my sword, ana
letting down the bolt, stepped backsa pace
before called out: Come i'm The doc,
opened, and in walked my stout friend, who
had retreated SO rapidly from the braves At
the Marzocco. 5>@.; ss>%% iJ 9. sa.ss:
Messer Donati?,' he said, with an intq,uiil l
ing look. .. -. j s2 @ 4: &
4. "<The same" ! bowed. and offered him,
chair. !S q SS z n ~ =ts$ y
The devil!' he exclaimed, sinking. into
it, but it is like an ascent to Heaven fora
sinner to reach YOU and he mopped hii
face with large hand kerchief, that cur
mudgeon downstairs, the intendant, aatl5
refused to inform me where You were, INIT
lSnienti toned i came from tie secretary {