The National tribune., 1902-02-20

As the bandsman spoke the late guide
came running out of the Campo followed
by companion, bareheaded and in disha-
bile.
Quick Yohn: cut, you sinner; here
come the peelers. Steer for the depot;
we will anchor here and stand them off, ~
said Joe, showing johnson round con-
venient corner and pointing in the direc-
| ton of the depot, about a quarter of a
mile away.
Yohnson's pale-blue eyes stuck out of
his head and he lifted the box up as if he
would dash it to the earth in his fright.
Thunder and blitzenr' he groaned:
'vOt | haf to do nit dot verdomden fool
ment. trOws dot pox to helengoner'
Delay that, you idiot" said Joe stern
ly; the guide saw you with the box,
and he will break it open. and then you
will be fired into a military prison for the
rest Of your life. Get out of this and
steer for the depot, I tell you''
"Mein Cott! but Wy for you don't open
de pox und fling your verdomden treck
de strasse out?''
why? Because, you lump Of dough.
we've lost the key. broken box would
give you away right off. Now git, before
it's too late"
The scared Teuton turned upon his heel
and broke for the depot, with the unwel-
come box under his arm. He was slow
by nature, heavy Of limb. very bow-Ieggcd
and more used to climbing than to sprint
! ing, but nevertheless he made tolerably
good time.
The rest Of the party waited until the
guides came M. There was n short CON
fab between the bandsman and the two:
| the scamen made graceful donation of
| the flask, also n half franc to each Of the
keepers, and were allowed to depart in
peace.
Yohnson was found covering under the
shadow Of friendly shanty near the de-
pot. He was surrounded and petted and
patted on the back until he had recovered
most of his lost assurance.
| There was some mysterious whiSDerinn
on the train, and when the party reached
| LeChorn Rob suggested that they look for
| a key-fitter.
ooh. come along with me-" said Rinal.
do; "fll take you to n friend of mine who
will fit you KEY in no time. He keeps
n wine shon. and while you drink his wine
your key will be amaking."
They strobe along to one Of the small
side streets leading up from the quay.
Rinaldos friend was n rotund giant
with an enormous shock of long black
| hair. He had n big, roaring voice and n
laugh that shook the building He had a
palm like a bakers shovel. ana when you
shook hands with him your palm disap,
noarpd as if it had been swallowed by an
| alligator
Rinaldo watched an opportunity and
then slid ont. ard had n short cOnversa.
| ton with mine host
4 short time thereafter the innkeene1
caTne in with bunch of keys The party
were seated at n table drinking light wine
| The innkeeper had inst succeeded in find
ing n key that would fit the lock. H
lifted the lid disnlavinc the contents
| -s-bar, fbn 1oc,.
m nondescript uniform stalked into the
| room.
Gems d'armes; Gems d'armes, Run fol
your Iives" shriekcd Rinaldo. making fol
'hc door. He was followed by the others
Yohns0n grabbed up the box md started
hnt he was caught from behind by the
newcomer, reinforced by several more
| queerly dressed fellows in the rear.
YOhnson fought like n demon. Hi,
whole nature was aroused He kicked
and struggled and strained. His clothe,
| were torn into shreds, his fatcful enrtI
was scattered all over the floor, and Ia
grew hOarse with imprecations; but ot
no avail. He was bound hand and foo
md dragged down into the cellar and lef
IN total darkness, awaiting. as he sup
1osed, the arrival of the prison officials.
While meditating over his i'll luck, anG
"ursing his comrades for thef coward!
leseTtion. he beard noise. The mex
moment he felt the touch of a hand.
"Hist, johnson! the boys are outside
md we are waiting for you. Make NJ
noise. Here, put on this suit of clothe,
and follow me-"
1t was Joe Purcell. He had secured
very disreputable suit of clothes, and nov
threw them down at Yohnson's feet.
1t was but the work of moment t.
cut the prisoner loose from his bonds
| A few moments more and he was ar
rayed, not without deep lamentation, il
the dress furnished him.
''What for l puts on dot teufels suitp
be plaintively whispered.
"What for? Why, if you are seen OF
the streets you will be torn into piece.
by the mob or hurled into the Italian for
over there on the Mole.''
"De teufel! Take your verdomder
treck"' he groaned; 'yot haf to Go nit 2