Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1899-04-26
CHAPTER X.-CoNr1NUED.
Copyright. 1905. by D. Appleton & Co
All rights reserved.l

Now it happened that as gained the cor.
ridor ! saw in the dim light figure re-
treating hastily before me, but with noise
less Footsteps; and having in mind the
strange attempts to play spy on us. made
no doub4 but that here was the culprit, and
followed Up. | saw the figure turn at the
end of tie corridor and enter another gal
lery, then another, and yet another, finally
vanishing as it were against the wall OWN,
to my NOS knowing the way properly, and to
the sem:-gloom, | was unable to follow fast
enough 70 overtake the spy, who fitted
before lie like ghost, but in very human
hurry. When at length l came up to the
wall, l looked to Sc if there was door of
any kind; but could discern nothing, and was
so astonished that for moment l felt lit
tie chilled, thinking that it may have been
a spirit after all. Fortifying myself, how
ever, with the thought that if it was spirit
1t seemed in no way anxious to meet me,
went to closer examination, and saw by
the moonlight that l was before door,
painted in exact imitation of the marble
wall. This settled my doubts, and, putting
my shoulder to it, made trial, with all
my strength, to force passage, but in vain.
therefore gave up the matter, and turned
to find my way back. This was, however,
easier said than DONE / could not find the
gallery l wanted, and, after cropping about
hopelessly for little time, thought l had
best give a shout, which would no doubt
summon some one to my aid. / was just
about to carry this into execution, when, on
further reflection, it struck me that might
be landed in other difficulties thereby, and
that might make another try to free my
self, without bringing the house about my
ears, and perhaps compromising the Sec
rotary, who had, l saw, an enterprising and
active enemy under his roof. So stilled my
tongue and made further exploration, with
the result that found myself before stair
way that led to the floor below me, and de-
termined to see where this would take me.
Accordingly l descended as softly as pos
:sible, and arrived in few steps at small
landing, covered by carpet so thick that
felt as if 1 was treading on the softest moss.
AT the end of the landing, and opposite to
me, was half-opened door, the room in
side being in light. Stepping noiselessly up
to the door peered in, and saw chamber
furnished with the utmost luxury, and ap-
parently just Vacated by it's occupants. In
a corner of the room stood harp, lying on a
table close to low luxurious seat were some
articles of dainty feminine embroidery; soft
silken curtains shrouded the walls, and the
ceiling was painted, apparently with some
representation of the history of the house.
A white marble figure of Cupid held out at
arms length lamp, whose opal shade soft
>ened it's bright light; and on gilded tri-
angle, set IN an alcove, swung blue and
sscarlet macaw- rare eastern bird-who,
with his head tucked under his wing, slept
lin position which would be intolerable
torture to any other created thing except a
bird. It was clear that had invaded the
private sitting-room of the ladies, or lady,
of the household: and was about to beat
hasty retreat, when the screen of an inner
room was swung aside, and saw before me
my two unknowns of the garden of St.
Michael, and the giver of the tart which had
saved me from death. 1t was too late to go
back now, as the sound of my feet on the
marble stairs would certainly reach and
perhaps alarm them, tread ever so softly;
SO l resolved to stay where was until they
retired again, and then go back. This !
judged would be very shortly as it was
late. II had not, however, sufficient expert
ence. then, OF the lengths to which those
nocturnal condolences, in which the fair sex
indulge with each other, extend, In the
meantime could not but admire the grace
full figures before me, and especially of her
who had given me the tart. Clad in a soft,
clinging robe, clasped by q jewel at her
throat, and silver girdle round her waist,
with her pale, proud features set in mass
of dark hair, she seemed to me an embodi-
ment of pure womanhood, and thought
how lucky the man would be who could have
such companion to help him through life.
l guessed also that the other was the wife
of Aachiavelli, being aided thereto by her
statement, when drove Luigi of, that her
husband was one who could help me much
At The same time could not but feel some
pity in my heart for her, when ! thought she
Il WAS welded to a man of q character SO con-
Trajectory as that Of the secretary, who
! could leave fair wife for the sake of indulg.
ing ID low dissipation, and come back after
narrow escape with his life, TO bury him,
self in matters of state, orin the perusal Of
!. the ancients. However, there was no sign
4 81 'sorrow. On her fair and mirthful face. q
Y withsall the teasing nature Of 2 kitten she
walked up to the macaw and stirred him uI