The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1902-08-08
My Strangest Case
BY GUY BOOTHBY.
Author Of cdr. KikoIa,'' "The Beautiful
White Devil" "Pharos, The
Egyptian" Etc.
1901. by Ward. Lock & Col
CHAPTER NI.-CoNr1N uED.


Leglosse had already engaged cab
and when / joined him l discovered
that he had also brought Sicilan po-
lice official with him. This individual
gave the driver his instructions, and
away we went. AS we had informed
the cabman, previous to setting out,
that there was no time to be lost, we
covered the distance in fine style, and
just as the sun was sinking behind
the mountains entered the little viii
lage on the outskirts of which the
villa was situated. II was delightful
spot, mere cluster of human habita-
lions, clinging to the mountain-side.
The Angelus was sounding from the
campanile of the white monastery,
further up the hillside, as we drove
along the main street. Leaving the
village behind US we passed on until
we came to the gates of the park in
which the villa was situated. We had
already formed our plans, and it was
arranged that the island official
should send his name in to Hayle, Lee
glosse andI keeping in the background
as much as possible. We descended
from the carriage and Leglosse rang
The bell which we discovered on the
wall; presently the door was opened,
and wiZened-up little man made his
appearance before us. An animated
conversation ensued, from which it
transpired that the new occupant of
the villa was now in the pavilion at
the foot of the grounds.
I,
said the officer, "but remember this,
we desire to approach without being
seen. Lead on!"
The old man obeyed and led us by a
winding path through the orangery
for upwards of quarter of a mile. AT
the end of that walk we saw ahead OF
us handsome white editice, built Of
stucco, and of the summer-house or
der. 1t stood on small plateau or
the first slope of the cliff and com
manded an exquisite view of the bay
feet or so below it.
''His excellency is in there" said the
old man, in his Sicilian patois.
Very good, in that case you car
leave u.s." said the officer, eve can fine
our way to him ourselves"
The old man turned and left us
without another word, very wei
pleased, | fancy, to get out of the wa.
of that functionary. Goodness onl.
knows what memories of stolen vege
tables and fruit had risen in his mind
Before we go in," said, "woulo
it not be as well to be prepared TO
any emergencies? Remember he j
not man who would stick a t much.
We accordingly arranged our plal
of attack in case it should be neces
sary, and then approached the build
ing. AS we drew nearer the sound o
voices reached our ears. At first
was not able to recognize them, but a
we ascended the steps to the pavilion
was able to grasp the real facts o
the case.
Good heavens!" l muttered to my
self, chats Kitwater's voice." Then
turning to Leglosse, l whispered
"'We're too late, they're here befor
u.s."
1t certainly was Kitwater's voice
had heard, but SO hoarse with fur,
that at any other tineI should scarce
ly have. recognized it.
Cover him, Codd," he was shouting
''and if he dares to move shoot hin
down like the dog he is. You robbed
us of our treasure, did you? And 70,
sneaked away at night into the cove
of the jungle, and left us to die or t.
be mutilated by those brutes of Chi
nese. But we've run you down at last
and now when | get hold of you, b.
God, I'll tear your eyes and you
tongue out. and you shall be like thu
two men you robbed and betrayed
Keep your barrel fixed on him, Codd
] tell you! Remember if he move:
you are to fire. Oh. Gideon Hayle
I've prayed on my Bonded knees fol
this moment, and now it's conn
and"