Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1899-09-24

L uey are uuIndu, uOWGFcI, anu LAO
countenance displaying them that of
man clad in threadbAfe habiliments-
coat of dark cloth and greyish trous-
ers-clinging to his spare form almost
close as the skin 4self, the only insig-
MIA about him an ink-horn suspended
to the upper button of his coat, with
! roll of writing paper protruding from
its breast-pocket These, to the eyes
of Count Guardiola, sufficiently indi-
cate his calling of scrivano-one Of
those singular professionals unknown
in Northern lands, but important
among the unlettered people of the
South, who employ them to write let
tiers, or read those already written, and
if need be, answer them.
The one who has presented himself
is of more than middle age as indicat-
ed by long grey beard hanging down
to the buttons on his breast. With a
pair of spectacles, which he has re-
moved on entering the room, he might
appear venerable, but without them his
countenance shows sinister, even sug-
costing stilettoes. At first sight of 1t
the captain gives a start; soon COM
posing himself, however, as he has
better view of his visitor, and sees him,
hat in hand, in an attitude of humble
obeisance.
"Well, Signor Scrrivano" he asks,
"what are you wanting with me?" add
ing jocularly: do you suppose I've
never been to school and likely to be-
come one of your clients?"
mo, Excellenza, not that"
what them"
"This, Signor Capitano."
The scribe holds up slip of paper,
on which is written the name Camilla
Buonofanti."
At sight of which Guardiola starts,
half rising erect.
'Well, what of herr" he asks, with
an attempt to conceal his impotence
'Do you know anything about herr"
Some little" answers the other, put
ting on an air of reserve, though l
may say not much"
How much?"
THAT depends upon price. AS your
excellency is no doubt aware, we poor
scrivanos, whose parents have gone to
the expense of giving us an education,
must needs make our living by it. We
can't afford to give our services gra-
titiously. If we did, we should soon
starve, even here in rich Rome
(which means. l suppose, that must
pay you for telling me something about
this contadina."
your excellency has hit the nail
right upon the head. That's just what
your humble servant is driving at"
"Cospetto, signore, you don't seem to
know that l can have you arrested, and
make you confess"
ooh, yes, Capitano, I'm aware of all
that-at least, so far as your power to
put me under arrest. But for the con-
Tossing part, suppose, after all, l
shouldn't have anything to tell?''
But just now you said you had.
"True, Excellenza. At the same time
it's so very little. Perhaps it isn't
worth while troubling you about, and
you'll only think me an intruder. In
any case, it wouldn't be worth bringing
before a tribunal, which must be done,
should your excellency think of circum-
scribing my liberties"
Come. come, my good man, l didn't
mean that; | was only in jest. Now,
speaking in earnest, tell me what you
know of this young girl. If your in
formation be worth price I'm the man
to pay for it, and handsomely, in pro-
portion to its value. Surely you can
trust me?"
The scrivano looks in his questioner's
face, regarding it with keen scrutiny.
Many a bad passion sees he there,
many a false pretence, but among them
one that is true-sincerity; at least,
relating to the question between them.
q can, Excellenza," he at length de-
hvers himself.
so far, good" rejoins the officer.
Now for the information. You know
where the girl is?'
mo, Capitano, l do not"
per Bacco! What do you know"
Where she will be"
-'When?"
Tomorrow afternoon-at the hour
of two, or Whereabouts.
"Where?"
I'm the Piazza Montanara- If your
excellency cares to see her, and will
come there at that time, the Signorina
Buonofanti will be at my writing table
in front of the Palazzo Orsini.'
You're sure of that?''
We'll, Signor Capitano, in these de-
generate days one can't be sure about
anything; but if there be anything that
will make woman true to her appoint
x.-b,ob IN