Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1901-02-05

CHAPTER xxx.
"Thus are all our hopes wrecked" said
Philip, mournfully. "What chance have
We now from escaping from this little
tyrant9"
"Chances turn up" replied Krantz;
lat present the prospect is not very cheer
ing. Let us hope for the best. have an
idea in my head which may probably be
turned to some account" continued
Krantz, las soon as the little mans fury
ia over"
(which Isl
"That, much as he likes your wife,
there is something which he likes quite a.
well-money. Now, rs we know where
all the treasure is concealed, think he
may be tempted to offer US our liberty If
we were to promise to put 1t into his pos-
session."
THAT is not impossible. Confound that
little malignant wretch Schriften; he cor
tainly is not, as you say, Of this world. He
has been my prosecutor through life, and
appears to act from an impulse not his
own"
"Then must he be part and portion Of
rour destiny. I'm thinking whether our
noble commandant intends 10 leave rs
without anything to eat or drink
II should not be surprised; that he Will
attempt my life Lam convinced, but not
that he can take 1t; he may, however, add
70 Its suferings."
As soon as the commandant had recov.
ered from his fury, he ordered Sohriften
In to be examined more particularly: but,
after every search made for him, Schriftsn
WAS nowhere to be found. The sentry at
the gate declared that he had not passed;
and new search was ordered, but in
vain. Even the dungeons and galleries be-
low We're examined, but without success.
"Can he be locked up with tho other
prisonerss" thought the oommandant
"Impossible-but will 60 and see."
He descended and opened the door Of
the dungeon, looked in, and was about to
return without speaking whom Krantz
said: "Well, signor, this Is kind treat
ment, after having lived 90 long and 60
amicably together, to throw US into prison
merely because fellow declares that we
are not what We represented ourselves to
be. Perhaps you will allow Us a little wa.
ter to drink"
The oommandant confused by the or.
traordinary disappearance of Schriften,
hardly knew how to reply. He at last said
in milder tone than was to be antici-
patsd: II will order them to bring some,
sisnor."
He then closed the door Of the dungeon
and disappeared.
Strange" observed Philip; "he ap-
pears moro paoifled already"
In . few minutes the door was again
opened, and Pedro came In with chatty
Of water.
"Hs has disappeared like magic, 81
gnors, and Is nowhere to be found. We
have searched everywhere, but in vain"
"Who-the little old seamana''
Yes, he whom you kicked as you were
led to prison. The people all say that It
must have been ghost. The sentry de-
clares that he never left the fort. nor came
near him; SO how he has got away is a
riddle which perceive has frightened our
comlnandant not little"
Krantz gave long whistle as he looked
at Philip
care you to have charge of US, Pedros"
II hope So.
"Well, tell the commandant that when
he is ready to listen to me, have some
thing Of Importance to communicate.
Pedro went out.
"Now, Philip, can brighten this little
man into allowing us to 60 free If you
will consent to say that you are not the
husband of Anime"
"That cannot do, Krantz. Twill not
utter such u falsehood. :"
II was afraid 30, and yet it appears to
me that we may avail ourselves Of duplio-
ity to meet cruelty and injustice. Unless
you do as propose, hardly know how
can manage It; however, I will try what
can do"
II will assist you in every way, except
disolaiming my wife: that I never will
do"
swell, then, will see II can make up
story that will suit all parties: lot me
think"
Krantz continued musing as he walked
up and down, and was still occupied with
his own thoughts, when the door opened,
and the commandant made his appearance.
you have something to impart to me,
understand-what is itp''
First, sir, bring that little wretch
down here and confront him with us.
II SEQ no occasion for that" replied the
commandant. what, sir, may you have
to sayp'
"Do you know who you have in your
company when you speak to that one eyed
deformitys"
"A Dutch sailor, presume"
"No-a spirit-a denon-who occa.
stoned the loss Of the vessel, and who
brings misfortune wherever he appears"
Holy Virgin! what do you tell me,
signor?"
"The fact, signor commandment. We are
obliged to you for combining us here while
no is in the fort; but beware for yourself. {"
You are laughing at me-"
II am not; bring him down here This
noble gentleman has power over him. I
wonder, indeed, at his daring to stay
while he is SO near; no has on his heart
that which will send him trembling away.
Bring him down here, and you shall at
once see him vanish with curses and
screams"
"Heaven defend usl" cried the COM
mandant, terrified.
"Send for him now, signor."
HE is gone-vanished-not 10 be
foundl"
II thought as much. replied Philip
significantly.
HE is OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES say2 Then,
oommandant, you will probably apologize
to this noble gentleman for your treat.