The Elbert County tribune., 1903-03-19


monk felt their breasts as II to learn
whether they were alive or dead. The
investigation evidently satisfied him.
for he turned and signaled for some
OF the house servants and soldiers to
carry the prefettp and the count into
the house.
Thoroughly bewilderod now. made
sure that Dambo's cords were secure.
dragged him out OF Nita's room and
into that in which pacho Maligni had
been killed. and. locking both doors.
put the keys in ny pocket and wen.
down to meet Broihc.' Michael.
On the stairs l met Mutterelli. who
was sauntering cnrelessiy along smok-
ing cigarette.
You here?- I cried. Il did not see
you in the fight
mo. signor.'' he said. "a man who
has prospects of fifty thousand lire
never risks his life in fight with
bandits. was looking for you.
have something for you"
From under his Jacket he took
box-the red tin box that had been
taken from Pacho Maligni.
Where did you get that?" asked.
''Tn Dambo's quarters" he said. ut
seems to connect him with the murder
of Maiigni."
''It does, it doesi" said "And
Dambo is this minute lying bound in
Pacho Maligni's room. And in the
next lies Nita Barlotti in dead faint.
| was going after some cognac for
her. The doors are locked"
Give me the keys" he said 81
have a flask. will bring the sig
norma round. You go below-Broth-
er Michael may wish to see you"
l felt that | could trust Muterelli,
and handed him the keys Then
went down into the library. where the
prefetto and the Count di Pordlno
had been carried.
Two broad. low couches had been
hurriedly drawn out into the center of
the library. Upon one lay the pre-
fetto. and upon the other the Count
di Pordino. 1t was evident, even to
my Impractical eyes, that both these
men were dying.
Physicians who had hurried to the
villa, aroused by the alarm bells of
the monastery. were working over
them. and by the side of each stood
a monk. holding a crucifix in his hand.
That is all we can do" said one.
THE wounds are fatal. Neither the
prefetto nor the Count di Pordino will
live till daylight"
The wounded men looked about
them. They were conscious, and
heard their doom as pronounced by
the physician.
Brother Michael stepped nearer to
them. and said:
Sons. you have heard the sad
words OF the physician. Make your
peace with God. for you will soon
stand before him to be Judged for
your deeds on earth. and II they have
been evil. for the degree of repen-
tance and reparation you have given.
Have you. Count di Pordino, any sin
or secret on your soul which you
wish to confess and receive absolu-
tion and forgiveness before you go
before the final and the Almighty
Judge?"
The count looked at the monk fee
bly, moment and slowly shook his
head.
''Is there nothing? Think. count.
OF your past lire. ls there nothing?
Have you ever borne false witness
against another?'
frightened look came into the
counts eyes.
"Ah!" softly said Brother Michael
There is something. Is It about
Henry Thorlane?"
The count made a sign OF assent.
THE crime with which he was
charged, and for which he was sen.
fenced to a servile penance for twen-
ty years. and for which his estate was
confiscated and turned over to your
hands-did he commit that crime?
Was he an enemy OF the prefetto?"
The lips of the dying count formed
the word No
The monk then turned to the pro
fetto.
ITO be continued)