Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1899-06-07

himself could not have put it bettcr-sit
here, chevalier," and Lucrezia made room
for St. Armande on her lounge.
At this moment commotion at the en-
trance attracted our attention, and a man
robed in black, followed by two others,
walked up towards the pope.
"Heavens!" said Lucrezia, ct is Cesare!"
and lock that was not sisterly came over
her face as she glanced at her brother, who
moved slowly up the room, men falling
away from each side of him, and greeting
no one. He kept himself covered, and be-
low his square velvet cap l saw resolute
face, the mouth and chin covered by a
mnstache and short beard, not so hidden,
however, but that one could distinctly see
against the dark hair on his face the full
red line of the lips, set in habitual sheer.
BAD as the whole brood of the Borgia were,
this was the worst of them all. He was as
far beyond them in infamy as they were
beyond the rest of mankind in evil doing.
The very room was hushed into silence as
he entered, and I watched with more in
terest than can tell the stately figure of
this wicked man as he went up to meet his
only less wicked father. 1t was their first
meeting since the murder of Pierrot, and
Alexander, who stood in dread of his son,
began to tremble violently as he ap-
preached, looking this way and that, as if
he would avoid him. At last they came to-
gether face to face, Cesare speaking no word,
but lifting his cap with low bow. Alex
ander almost made a motion as if he was
wringing his hands; but recovered himself
Nth an effort, and kissed his son on the
cheek.
$50 do the devils kiss" Lucrezia spoke
these words under her breath, and turned
sharply round and looked at her. Her eyes
fell beneath my glance Of inquiry, and to
raise some conversation addressed Giulia
Bella.
$50 that is the duke of Valentinois:"
"1es-and the man Immediately behind
him is Don Mchelotto."
''The stranger"
You use strong terms, SIR the eyes Of
the Farnese flashed fire, and Lucrezia add
ed, hurriedly: :.
Eyes, yes-you are right-the strangler.'
FLUSH, FOOL" and Giulia Bella laid her
hand on her friends shoulder. "See, they
come this way-be cool!"
In fact, Cesare had turned from his "a
Their without either Of them exchanging
a word, and was coming directly towards
ing of D'Amboise, Bayard and the cardinal
of Strigonia. Valentinois stopped, and, in
his speeches. way, held out his hand to
Bayard, who merely bowed stiAly. Ccsare's
dark face whitened with rage, and drop
ping his hand to his side he walked straight
on, and could see that DAmboise was
eApostulating with Bayard, and Strigonia
openly laughing. This insult, however, had
not added TO Cesare's good temper; in fact,
he came up to us angry as man could be,
and after greeting his sister coldly, turned
to St. Armande and looked at him in 81
lence.
1T is usual, signore," said Don Michelot.
to to the chevalier, Ito stand in the pres
ence of prince"
81 was not aware that you were prince,
sir" replied St. Armande, entirely ignoring
the Borgia.
"You can give this young gentleman q
lesson in manners at your leisure" said
Cesare. "By your leave, sir" and giving
his hand to his sister, who took it passively
he led her to another apartment, followed
by Giulia Bella, who tapped a good-by on st
Armande's arm with her closed fan.
AIichelotto behaved with great compo
sure.
II trust, signore-1 do not know your
name-that you will give me the chance o!
carrying out the dukes commands"
MY name is St. Armande," replied the
chevalicr; ''and I am ready now, if you
wish it."
This is scarcely the place, signore; but
the vatican gardens are few feet away
If you vii meet me near the summer-house
in, say, hulf an hour from now, it would be
a convenience. If we left together perhaps
it would excite remark" and the Spaniard
played with the inlaid gilt of his dagger.
every WE'LL
Michelotto gave St. Armande bow,
made a slight inclination towards me, and
strolled off. TO all intents and purposes
we might have been engaged in the most
friendly Of conversations.
"Well, cavaliere," said St. Armande, look
ing up at me. "are you satisfied now?"
II am satisfied, chevalier, that you are
still too young to be trusted alone. If you
wanted to pick quarrel there were a hun
dred courses open to you; there are 81
other men with whom you might have
crossed swords with no danger except to
yourself, and you must needs insult Cesare,
and get c1nbroiled with cut-throat and
risk our plans. Where is your prudence?
But the wine is poured out now. You must
drink"
His color kept coming and going. 'Imean
to fight it out. shall step out in ten min
utes, and await him. See! they are all
gathering round the tables. What with
the wine and the dice, no one will take heed
who goes or who comes-good-by!" and he
held out his hand to me.
"Nonsense, man-you are not going alone.
You will want second"
"But not you," he replied, "anyone but
you You have work to do-not you, Sa.
velli." His voice had almost choke in it
as he spoke.
"Come," l said. "put an end to this, OF
you will be run through the ribs. l am 60
ing with YOU
file gave in with a feminine gesture .
agreement.
1.-THE business will not take long"
''It will take long enough, signorc, if you
so as you are going" and Corte stood 20
side US. "Signore," he added, II have over
heard every word Of the scene. Do not 60
as you value your lives. If you do go, 60
with strong party"
"Diavolo!" l exclaimed, IAN affair OF
the dagger them"
St. Armande looked from one to another
of US in surprise. ''This is friend, cheva.
lier," said, "who has done us good serv-
ice" and, turning to 'Corte, 'but we must
meet the man-how on earth are We to do
SO in any force?"
"Look around you," he made answer,
like master, like man-stroll out. You
have some swords at your back. Take them
with you; but better not go at oil. All!
I sec my new master, the Camulengo, look
ing towards me--be wise and do not go, i"
and Cortc moved off to where the Cardinal
Ascanio Sforze was seated, surrounded by
little group of courtiers and priests.
"Who is that man," asked St. Armande.
IT met him under circumstances too long