The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1903-11-24
AN ITALIAN
REPRISAL
BY HELEN NJ. GTvrNs



ing the summer months, he was still
possessed by the sense of injury that
had been his ever since he had hur-
ried down the slope of the Janiculum
an hour before, and had failed TO see
little Rosetta leaning over the wall
near Tassos oak.
AT their last meeting, as she told
him, between the bursts of weeping
of her fathers determination to nave
her wedding take place within a
month, Willis had understood the me-
cessity Of putting an end to the ro-
nance an idle spring day and peas
ants fete had been responsible for
It had all been ioyllic and innocent
enough. Being a good fellow in the
main. and moreover, not wildly In
love. Willis was capable of sharp
twinge OF conscience when he realized
the ckild's dstaste for q marriage
about which she had at first prattled
happily enough. But Rosetta was SO
pretty. so full of distress! Who could
resist the temptation of seeing her
once more? Besides, had he not prom
Used himself to speak wisely and firm
ly, as became mature % when adyis-
ing inexperienced II?
Such, however, is mans inconsist-
ency, that when the trysting-place APP
peared. void of the trusting maiden,
he experienced none of the satisfac-
ton popularity supposed to reward the
virmous. 1t is enc thing to confront
a pair of beseeching black eyes. in the
role Of a stern representative Of duty,
and quite another to be anticipated;
TO find the play played out and the
curtain rung down, without any of the
plaudits so dear to self-sacrihce.
Now. avoiding procession Of damp
pilgrims in whom the odor OF hui
mainly predominated over that OF
sanetity. the young man strolled down
the great nave with lowered head and
thoughts bitterly intent upon the in
consistency of woman. Thus he did not
notice a bucket dangling from the end
O. a rope until he struck sharply
against it. AS he recoiled it rose in
the air and he saw 1t was rude de-
Vice for carrying water to some work
men who were repairing the mosaics
ornamenting the dome. Willis lip
ourled with English intolerance of
such methods-his glance following
the unweldy contrivance until 1t
reached a haven under board
stretched from side to side Of the rail-
ing surrounding the dome.
THE signore might perhaps like to
see the work nearer 1t is very inter-
esting." said a low-toned voice at his
elbow, in Italian.
The young man turned quickly, en-
countering a pair of brilliant, shifty
eyes, set in a handsome face OF the
better type Of peasant
ut is forbidden to enter the dome
during repairs" he replied CURLY in
the same tongue.
but | have q brother among the
workmen. See, | am taking him the
macaroni." holding up small basket
as he spote. Then, as Willis shook
his head impatiently, he added: The
old sacristan is also my uncle, so. II
the sienore pleases, will gladly con-
duct him to the dome"
willis looked at the speaker with
more lHftft1l. IAuotNAd AftA-OhNC PoAhN
ed out tie sacrlstan, speaking OF hi:
great age and of his relationship tC
her. Could this young man be the
cousin lover against whom the girl re
belled? His good looks deserved
STRONGER hold upon her fancy
How did you know l understood
Ttalian?" Willis demanded abruptly
Il heard the signore speak to beg
gar at the door"
Evidently the fellow had been fol
lowing him. That he should wish t.
conduct him to the dome was singu
lar coincidence; but he dismissed a
improbable the idea of any stronge
motive than the hope of pos
sIble fee, md. moved by an unexplaln
able impulse. he determined to &C
cent the offer he had been on the poin
OF declining
Ten minutes later, stepping throug
the doorway opening upon the mar
row platform surrounding the dome
he heard a sharp click behind hin
and turned to see his companion COOL
pocFet the ley he had just remove
from the lock.
"The signore appears surprised" h
said. REGARDING Willis with smile {
triumphant malice "He has perhar
never seen asrat caught in a trap 7
understand. he must first regard tn
scaffoldlng closing the platform on tn
left"
The other had mechanically turne
TO the point indicated. Certainly Il
left was completely blocked by Il
scaffolding; but no matter-they cou
pass to the right.
Still that smile of triumphant ma
ice Willis made a step forward, b
recognizing rather late the value
discretion, paused before the stee
CLINT Of stlletto. Nevertheless he r
turned the Italians gaze witho
finchlng, leaning against the wall al
thrusung his hands nonchalantly in
hts pockets.
The signore will remain witho
stirring The gesture was 81
nifeant.
Il understand No need to illi