Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-12-18


But there, I would rather that should
happen than that he and my uncle
should meet. Go, Mr.. Fairfax, and 1
pray God you may be successful"
Leglosse had already engaged a cab,
and when I joined him I discovered
that he had also brought Sicilian 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
1age on the outskirts of which the
villa was situated. IL 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 and 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 ANNA ted
conversation ensued, from which 1t
transpired that the new occupant Of
the villa was now in the pavilion at
the foot of the grounds.
"In that case conduct us to him."
said the officer, but rem ember this,
we desire to approach without being
seen. Lead on!''
The old man obeyed and led us by q
winding path through the orangery
for upwards of quarter of a mile. At
the end of that walk we saw ahead of
as a handsome white edifice. built of
stucco, and of the summer-house or
der. 1t stood on n small plateau on
the first slope of the cliff and com
manded an exquisite view of the bay,
The blue waters Of which. lay some 200
feet or so below it.
"His excellency is in there" said the
old man, in his Sicilian patois.
every good. in that case you car
leave u.s." said the officer, 1--WE can fine
our way o him ourselves"
The old man turned and left us
without another word. very well
pleased, l fancy, to get out of the way
of that functionary. Goodness only
knows what memories of stolen vege
tables and fruit had risen in his mind
Before we go in / said. "woult
1t not be as well TO he prepared for
any emergencies? Remember he is
not a man who would stick at much.
We accordingly arranged our pla1
of attack in case it should be neces
sary, and then approached the build
ing. AS we drew nearer the sound Of
voices reached our ears. AT first
was not able to recognize them, but as
we assembled the steps to the pavilion
] was able to grasp the real facts OF
the case.
Good heavens" I muttered to my
self. that's Kitwater's voice" Then
turning to Leglosse, l whispered;
Were too late, they're here before
u.s."
II certainly was Kitwater's voice
had heard, but so hoarse with fury
that at any other time l should scarce
ly have recognized it.
Cover him, Codd," he was shouting
"and if he dares to move shoot him
down like the dog he is. You robbed
us of our treasure, did you? And vol
sneaked away at night into the cover
OF the jungle, and left us to die or tt
be mutilated by those brutes OF Chi
nese. But we've run you down a las
and now when l get hold of you, by
God, III tear your eyes and youl
tongue out, and you shall be like the
two men you robbed and betrayed
Keep your barrel fixed on him, Gold
I 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 com,
and"
At this moment we entered the
room to find Hayle standing with hi.
DdCk W inc WllluOW lndL OptDeQ IUtC
the balcony, which in its turn over
looked the somewhat steep slope
that led to the cliff and the sea
Codd was on the left of the center
table, a revolver in his hand, and &
look upon his face that I had never
seen before. On the other si4e o.
the table was Kitwater, with lon.
knife in his hand. He was leaninl
forward in crouching position, a
If he We're preparing for spring
On hearing our steps, however, h
turned his sightless face towards us
1t was Hayle, however, who SCENE,
the most surprised. He stared at IN
as If | were man returned from tn
dead.
Put up that revolver, Codd"
cried. And you, Kitwater, droI
that knife. Hayle, my man, it's al
up. The game is over, so you may a
well give in"
Leglosse was about to advanc
upon him, warrant in one hand an,
manacles in the other.
What does this mean?" erie,
Hayle.
His voice located him, and befor
we could either OF us stop him, Kit
water had sprung forward an
clutched him in his arms OF wha