The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1903-10-08
BENTON, LOUISIANA THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1903

improbable the idea of any stronger
motive than the hope of pos
sible fee. and, moved by an unexplain-
able impulse. he determined to ac-
cept the offer he had been on the point
of declining.
Ten minutes later, stepping through
the doorway opening upon the mar
row platform surrounding the dome
he heard sharp click behind him
and turned to see his companion coolly
pocket the key he had just removed
from the lock.
THE sfgnore appears surprised" he
said, regarding Willis with a smile OF
triumphant malice. "He has perhaps
never seen a rat caught in a trap. To
understand, he must first regard the
scaffolding closing the platform on the
left"
The other had mechanically turned
to the point indicated. Certainly the
left was completely blocked by the
scaffolding; but no matter-they could
pass to the right.
Still that smile of triumphant NAL.
Ice. Willis made a step forward, but
recognizing rather late the value OF
discretion, paused before the steely
CLINT of stiletto. Nevertheless he re.
turned the Italians gaze without
fiinching, leaning against the wall, and
thrusting his hands nonchalantly into
his pockets.
The signore will remain wfthou,
stirring-or-" The gesture was sig.
niflcant.
II understand. No need to illus.
trate," said Willis. Besides there's
nothing in my pockets. but the small
change / keep for your compatriots
Now, il you will be good enough to
explain"
There is nothing to explain, signore
I am Giuseppe Montanari. who was to
marry Rosetta Nicoli."
you have taken too much trouble
Signore-er-Moutanari," Willis said
insolently civil. "Still, am as yet In
the dark. Is this perhaps part of the
ceremony of announcement"
Montanari's eyes cleaned. II care
nothing for the signore's words" he
said; "it is with what he has done
that l have to deal. Three months
ago Rosetta and l were happy in the
thought of passing our lives together
She danced and sang the whole day
through. Now she weeps-she turns
from me-she will hear nothing Of
marriage. This owe to the signore
The debt is heavy"
Willis now moved uneasily. The
pathos of this statement, simply made
planted certain sting, and his mind
engaged in a rapid reconstruction OF
the past, accused him of cutting q
poorer figure than he cared to admit
'Montanari," he said, upon my hon.
or there has been no-wrong-only-
II know that" interrupted the Other
with passion, "else the signore would
not be standing there-alive. Yet, he
mistakes-there has been wrong. Ro-
setta is spoiled for her own people
her simple home She has become q
dreamer Of dreams. The Mother Of
IOu huOWS uOW IL Will dAA CAu.
"Well, what are you going to DO?
Willis cried. Whats the use OF ban
dying words?" He had opened the
little penknife in his pocket, resolved
that his adversary should not go un.
marked.
"The signore is at least brave
man. For one chance Of life would he
swear to leave Rome?"
"And the chance?"
ITO cross, by the plank, to the othel
side of the dome"
In spite of himself the young man
drew back. A sudden paralyzing feal
came over him. Two boards had beer
tied together by the workmen and fixet
across the opening in the dome. They
spanned an aperture nearly three hun
dred feet from the marble floor OF the
church; and this was the bridge ht