The daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Ind. Ter. [Okla.]) 1898-1902, 1899-02-17

jected villagers were shouting and
rushing down TO the shore like rad
men, all pointing eagerly TO a small
boat, which had just glided out from
between the VOLTS Teeth.
Its Antonio's boai!" cried Battista,
as she neared the land Il know her by
the patch in her SAIL and see, he's wav-
ing his cap 10 us"
We'll, 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, triumphant
ly. They may well say that those
rocks are good place to fish just after
squall. Now, I'm going straight up
TO the castle with this turbot of mine.
and we'll see whether his highness
won't think him worth paying well
for"
Antonio was us 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 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
Antonio's slbegrimed face and tum-
bled hair. added to his tattered red shirt
and bare feet, made him anything but
a presentable figure for n 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 be.
1--WE don't allow beggars here"
Il am not beggar." replied Antonio,
as quietly as he could. Il bring his
highness the turbot that be ordered
"Show it to me-"
1T 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, 90 you
know to whom you speak? Do you sup
pose that viii suffer any impertinence
from barefooted tish-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 me-"
There was something in the young
fsherman's look and tone, to say moth
ing of the broad-baded knife in his
girdle. which made the clustering bully
start back as if he had been stung, and
look round instnctively for support.
Your needn'tbe so volent," grumbled
he. If you have business with his high
ness, I'm quite ready 10 admit you
But, since you won't toucL penny Of
his money unless do, think it's only |
fair that | should have half-share Of
it,"
You 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
a mischievous twinkle into his bright |
eyes.
You drive hard bargain" said he;
"but suppose there's no help for it.
l call to witness ST. Antonio, my patron
saint. that whatever get for this fish.
you shall have your fair half of it "
Good" said the porter; Il 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
ing his turbot after all, that be called
the young fisherman up into the bal
,ony. where he was sitting with his
quests, and bade him name his own
price.
my price," said Antonio, is hun
lred blows of whip on my bare shoul-
lers."
Are you mad?r cried the prince,
staring.
Not l.; I've named my price, and
tick to it,"
well, "cried Monte Rosso. wishing to
iumor the supposed joke, so be il Tie
him up. grooms; but strike gently"
He was obeyed; but at the fftieth
troke. Antonio called out:
Hold! l have partner"
"And who is the partner in this hope
ul venture?" laughed :he prince.
Your own porter, who made me