The Winslow mail., 1900-05-24

oni's men crossing the Sanguinetta and to
protect all fugitives from the territories of
the Borgia."
l bowed and added, with pain in my
tone could not conceal, for this man was
once my friend:
"All the same, thank you, signore; l
have, however, four followers"
Il can do nothing for them if they are on
the other bank" he interrupted, and went
on: "St. Jerome is not half league from
here. My men will make up litter, and
help to bear the lady there. It will be
easier for her. l wish you good day." He
turned on his heel and gave some orders to
his men in English, language l do not
know, leaving me standing by the body of
Angola. All the misery of the past came
back to me in fash. Would the stain never
be wiped out? All the kindness l had re-
ceived from Bayard and the cardinal, all the
efforts made by those who believed in me,
seemed to be swept away as dust in the
wind. Almost did l feel that | would ac-
cept the ban cast on me and turn wolf Ill
earnest. 1t cost me much to restrain myself
from drawing on Hardwood, but glance
at the still pale face before me recalled me
to my duty. A man very kindly brought me
a little wine; knelt down and forced some
of it between her blue lips. In short time
she revived, some color came into her cheeks
and she attempted to rise, with look OF
fear on her face at the number Of armed
men she saw around her.
"There is nothing to fear, madam" said,
to reassure her, ''you are safe, and in an hour
will be at St. Jerome-a litter is being made
ready for you."
Without word she held out her hand,
and thanked me with this and the look in
her eyes.
The litter was now ready, half dozen
men volunteered their services, and, placing
her therein, we started for the convent. Ere
we had gone half a mile we heard shouts be-
hind us, and L was more than glad to see
Jacopo and my men riding up.
"How did you get OFF," 1 asked, as they
came up.
'In the rear of the troop from Magione,
excellency," was Jacopo's reply; "they did
not observe us, having eyes only for you;
and seeing you were safe we forded the
stream lower down and crossed-but, ex-
cellency, your face-are you hurt?"
Somewhat, but at St. Jerome l will have
it attended to-"
In truth, the left side of my face appeared
W Uc IAN ODGH, anu, 1ClG CldO
the wound was not so dangerous as it
seemed, yet had bled freely, and now that
the excitement was over began to suffer
much pain. Indeed, at times l felt as if l
could hardly hold myself straight in the sad
die, succeeding in doing so only by an effort
of will. | did not approach the litter. was
afraid that the sight of my face would alarm
Angola, for now she was probably able to
L L L L / H. oh, oloh Il
not been able to observe before. Once, how
ever, in bend of the road, that fortunately
went to the left and hid my wounded side,
our eyes met, and l caught so bright smile
of thanks that it paid me for my hurt.
reined in, for | knew my face showed too
much, and henceforth kept well behind. !
sent Clan on to the convent with the good
news of Angiola's rescue, and on nearing
the gates was met by st. Armande and the
rest of my followers, whom l was glad in
deed to see.
He came up with merry greeting. "Wel-
come," he cried: $50, gallant knight, you
have saved the damsel in DISTRESS" then,
catching sight of my wounded face, his tone
changed. Good G.! you are hurt"
"a little"
"You should have seen to it at once
come-we are not allowed to enter the con-
vent; but the abbess has done all she can
for us, and we camp or lodge, whichever
way you put it, in that house there;" he
pointed to small villa, set in what seemed
a wilderness of holm-oak that hid all but
its roof from view.
''Not so fast, chevalier. must leave my
charge at the convent first
He had to rest satisfied with this, but
was surprised that he made no inquiry as
to the condition of Angola, an ordinary civ
ility that might have been expected.
At the gates of the convent, within which
we were not allowed to enter, we were met