The Winslow mail., 1900-02-08
Copyright. 1905. by D. Appleton & Co.
All rights reserYed.l
CHAPTER V.-CoNTINUED.


When he was gone l sat down to count
my money, and found had but ten crowns
in all the world. With prudence, however,
this would last some time. Still it was gall
and wormwood to me to have to weigh each
item OF disbursement. It would be neces-
sary as well to renew my attire, which, with
the exception of the leather buff coat, was
almost ruined by the hard wear it had been
exposed to on my journey. sat down to
rest, but now that had reached Florence
reaction set in, and, assailed by full sense
of my position, gave way to despair. In
little time l became more composed; but il
was impossible to keep still with the fire in
my heart, and | sailed into the street, tax
ing care to note landmarks, so as to find my
way back. In this manner must have gone
for about a quarter of a mile, when l was
brought to standstill by the coming of a
gay party down the street, in the direction
opposite to mine, all marching by the light
of many torches to the music of band.
The musicians led the procession, which was
flanked on each side by a number of fam
beaux bearers, and a retinue of servants, all
bearing swords despite the law.
The merry-makers walked in pairs, each
lady resting her fingers on her cavaliers
arm, and all laughing and talking with the
utmost good humor. l was compelled to
draw myself to the wall to admit of their
passing, and, whilst thus giving them the
road, the light fell brightly on me, and l
became object of alarm to some of the
fair, who gave utterance to pretty little ex-
carnations of terror, with the result that
came in for naughty looks from the gal
lants.
In the middle of the promenaders were
two ladies, who, apparently not having part
ners of the opposite sex, had linked them
selves together, and the attention of the
taller of these was bestowed upon me for a
moment, and it was not fattering As she
wore mask, could see little of her face
beyond the half contemptuous look in her
eyes, which were dark at night, and a short
curl of the upper lip, with which she no
doubt intended to express the same senti-
ment as her glance. l waited calmly until
the whole party passed on, admiring the
grace of the demoiseile who had favored me
with her scornful survey. | watched them
until they turned off into another street,
and then went on, idly wondering who the
people were, and more especial-y- the dark
eyed lady.
The street behind me was in gloom, few
yards in front of me lamp hanging from
wall threw a dim radiance; beyond that
there was gloom again. Through the dark
ness before me heard the sound of hurry
ing feet, coming in my direction, and, al
most before | was aware of it, the new
conner and fell into the circle of the light,
and met face to face.
1t was D'Entranguesl He knew me as if
by instinct.
"You!" he exclaimed, and on the instant
his sword was out. / said nothing. l was
blind, mad with anger. My whole soul hun
gered for his life as | thrust at him, and in
doing SO slipped my foot over the edge of
the narrow pavement and fell heavily. He
was on me at once; something flashed in his
left hand and | felt stinging sensation all
over my left side. He did not wait to see
the result of his blow. Perhaps he made too
sure, and, springing over me. ran into the
darkness beyond. | scrambled up at once
and made an attempt to follow; but my brain
began to reel, and | was compelled to lean
against the wall to support myself.
The clash of steel, however, had aroused
some of the inhabitants, and, hearing foot
steps approaching, pulled myself together
with an effort, and, making across the road,
turned back to my lodging. Here again |
felt too weak TO proceed without help, and
sank to the ground, knowing l was bleeding
1feely. by TINS time Two or three men came
up, and, after surveying the spot under the
street lamp, crossed over in my direction.
The rays of lantern held by one of them
discovered me, and they FASTENED up. /
begged the favor of their assistance to my
abode, saying | had been stabbed, and this
the worthy citizens readily accorded and,
not content with that, when / reached my
room gave me all help in dressing my in
jury. The dagger, which | had to extract,
had gone through the folds of my cloak,
but was turned by a steel buckle on the
strap of my buff coat, and had cut through
the coat and down my side, inflicting an ugly
flesh wound. This in itself was not danger
Gus; but / had lost much blood, and when
the kind citizens had gone, in making an at
tempt to rise from my chair, l had only just
time to reach my bed before l became un-
conscious.