The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1902-02-22

ing Dliel peTlOu naQ Dee0 carried
along my captors had contrived to
bind me. SO that l now found it i'm
possible to move My thoughts at
this time were none too pleasant.
realized that If never left my prison
alive no one would be very much the
wiser, and the reflection did not make
me feel any more comfortable.
l was not left to myself for long.
Presently l heard footsteps close to
me, the cover over my head was torn
OF, my footstraps removed, and
was led from the room by wierd-
looking figure in a mask and hood.
he bore an uncomfortable resem-
blance to member of the Spanish
Inquisition.
We emerged into q brilliantly
lighted room, filled to overflowing
with men, all clad in the same SON.
Der garb of mask and hood. AS my
gaoler drew me in a kind of muffled
roar went up from the assembly. and
those nearest to me shook their hsts
iI my face. Suddenly a tall man at
the far end Of the room moved toward
me, the others making way for him
respectfully.
For moment he gazed earnestly
into my face. Then he turned angrily
to my gaoler. What, in the name of
heaven, does this mean?" he hissei
you have brought the wrong mani"
Instantly CONSERVATION reigned in
the room, and everybody crowded
round to examine me, while the gaoler
tried to explain things. Up to this
moment had been more or less in a
dream-the rapidity with which
events succeeded one another had
confused me-but now found my
tongue.
Il do not know what is the meaning
Of the outrage to which l have been
subjected" l said; but if you have
any doubts as to my identity may
tell you at once that am an English
man, Charles Raymond by name. and
have come from Verona today.
have papers in my pockets to prove
it."
The leader heard me out, then he
beckoned to me to follow him. Me-
chanically l obeyed, and he led me
into a small ante-room. Then he
turned to me. "Sir." he said, in most
excellent English, I'VE owe you q
profound apology. and also an ex.
PLANTATION. But, first Of all, will yoi
tell me how it is that you are wear
ing that green cloak?"
In a few words explained how
l came to be possessed of the coat.
The eyes behind the mask smiled.
':Yes," he said, Il see now how the
whole thing has happened. We were
on the lookout for a member of Q,r
society-a member who has violated
his commands. He was known only to
the members Of our inner circle. but
our humble instruments were told to
look out for q man in green cloak
and to bring him hither. l much re-
gret that you should have been the
victim of so unfortunate q mistake.
1t is a pity, too, that the traitor has
temporarily escaped us; he must have
received a warning. At what point
did you say he left the train?"
l told him as nearly as possible.
and he nodded gravely. ut is Of little
moment" he said; "the scoundrel will
not get far"
"And now," continued my mys-
terious interlocutor, II can see you are
eaten up with curiosity as to who and
what we are. Is it not so? thought
so! But, unfortunately, l am not at
liberty to tell you anything. l want
you now to give me your solemn
promise, on your honor as an English
man, to say nothing to any person
in Venice of your adventure OF to-
night. know you English; and l
know that If you pass your word you
will keep it. Having given me this
promise, you shall be conveyed to
your hotel without delay, and we shall
be happy to recompense you for tho
inconvenience we have caused you.'
The politeness of the mamie was
evidently a gentleman to his finger
tips-fascinated me, and l gave my
parole quite willingly. Forthwith,
with few words Of apology, he placed
the covering over my head again and
led me out through the main room to
the ancient quay on which I had first
landed, and so into the gondola.
Farewell, Signor Raymond" he
said; II rely On you" Then. in a
whisper: 1T is not every one who
enters the judgment hall Of the Mafia
and leaves it alive!"
Ten minutes later my gondolier re-
moved the cloak from my head and
took the strap of my wrists. Three
minutes afterward he dumped me
and my baggage down on the broad
steps Of the hotel, and, with a couple
of sweeping strokes, vanished into
the night. The landlord Of the hotel
was in q mild state of wonderment
as to where l had been. but, mindful
OF my promise, told him nothing,
and tumbled OF to bed as soon AZ
possible. AS I was undressing an en-
velope fell out Of my side pocket, and
on picking 1t up, found enclosed
Italian bank notes to the value u
2sO lire-rouchly e10. There was