The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1899-01-25

JeCtcu NllidSeiS NciC sHoutiHS anu
rushing down to the shore like mad
men, all pointing eagerly to small
boat, which had just glided out from
between the VOLTS Teeth.
Its Antonio's boat!" cried Battista,
as she neared the land. II know her by
the patch in her sail; and see, he's wav-
ing his cap 10 u.s."
"Well, comrades" cried Antonio,
from the boat, i've got something
more than shelter from the VOLTS
Teeth. Look here!"
And he held up to their wondering
gaze the finest turbot they had ever
seen.
Wasn't that worth risking a wet
Jacket for?" asked the lad, trium plant
~. They may well say that those
rocks are good place to fish just after
a squall. Now, I'm going straight up
TO the castle with this turbot of mine,
and we'll see whether his highness
wont think him worth paying we'll
for"
Antonio was as good as his word.
Tired though he was, he started off at
once up the hill, on the summit of
which the dark gray battlements of the
princes castle stood out above a huge
mass of sandstone cliff, from which the
domain of Monte Rosso Red noun
tain) took its name.
The hill was steep, the way dusty, and
by the time he reached the castle gate
Antonios dust-begrimed face and tum-
bled hair, added to his tattered red shirt
and bare feet, made him anything but
a presentable figure for a drawing
room. So evidently thought the burly
hall porter, who eyed him from head to
foot, with a most supercilious sneer.
what do you want?" snapped he.
1--WE don't allow beggars here"
II am not beggar," replied Antonio,
as quietly as he could. Il bring his
highness the turbot that he ordered.
SHOW it to me-"
"It is for the prince, not for you"
said our hero, somewhat roughly. for
his hot Italian blood was beginning to
boil at the lackey's insolence.
"Fellow!" roared the porter, $50 you
know to whom you speak? Do you sup
pose that 1 will suffer any impertinence
from barefooted fish-scraper?"
Better be barefooted fish-scraper
than an overfed yard dog" retorted An
tonic. 'And as for impertinence, ]
would advise you not to offer too much
of it to mel"
There was something in the young
fsherman's look and tone, to say moth
ing of the broad bladed knife in his
girdle, which made the clustering bully
start back as if he had been stung. and
look round instinctively for support.
"Youneedn't be so violent" grumbled
he. If you have business with his high
ness, I'm quite ready to admit you
But, since you won't touch penny of
his money unless I do, think it's only
fair that 1 should have half-share of
it,"
"You a half-share in what I've -isked
my life for!" shouted Antonio. I'D
sooner"
But just then thought struck him
which checked his anger, and brought
mischevous twinkle into his bright
eyes.
"You drive hard bargain" said he;
"but 1 suppose there's no help for it.
1 call to witness ST. Antonio, my patron
saint, that whatever 1 get for this fish,
you shall have your fair half of it."
"Good!" said the porter; II know you
daren't break that pledge. Here, Carlo.
take this fellow inside, ard carry the
fish to his highness."
In speaking thus the worthy porter
was counting upon Antonio's being
paid and sent away without more ado.
But the prince was so delighted at get
| ting his turbot after all, that he called
| the young fisherman up into the bal
cony, where he was sitting with his
guests, and babe him name his own
price.
"My price," said Antonio, is hun.
dred blows of a whip on my bare shout
| ders."
"Are you mad?" cried the prince,
staring.
"Not I; I've named my price, and
stick to it,"
"Well," cried Monte Rosso, wishing to
humor the supposed joke, 80 be it. Tie
him up, grooms; but strike gently"
He was obeyed; but at the fiftietf
stroke, Antonio called out:
Hold! 1 have partner"
"And who is the partner in this hope
full venture?" laughed the prince.
"Ycur own porter, who made me
/ promise him a half share of whatsoever
1 got"
"And he shall have i'll" declared the
prince. "Drag him hither, grooms, ant
lay on as if you were threshing corn"
But the grooms needed no urging t.
pay the porter for all his insolence, ant