The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-07-11
By ALFONSO CELIA, of Providence
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Observation-Disclosures
(Continued.)

(continued.)
| II was plainly evident to the grand
master that from the precautions taken
by orsini scaffoidi had not thus far met
any good opportunity 10 accomplish his
purpose. But all that Macheca consid-
cred. was strictly limited to an attempt
by daylight when the merest trine would
often bar success. At night. however.
things might be very different, Macheca
thought. and he decided to keep an eye
on scafroldi and see how he was en-
ploying his time after dark. when he
might have a propitious opportunity TO
strike the mortal blow. And here. the
| grand master. who had hitherto played
| only the deus ex machina" In all the So
ciety's exploits. since the disappearance
OF his predecessor. now made up his mind
10 resume In this special case his old way
Of accomplishing things with his own
hands, thinking that he alone was able
To set things aright and overmatch with
half his wits and half his strength all
the vain efforts OF others In performing
any hazardous undertaking.
| At last the night so long awaited by
| Gabrielle arrived-the very same night
which the uncle had fixed upon for watch
ing both Scafroidi and Orsini and for
! trying conclusions with the latter.
Had not Mscheca been plunged deeply
In thought regarding this new activity he
might have noticed that night at the
supper table the awkward nervousness 81
Gabrielle. her ouivering lips her shaking
hands. and even the uneasiness OF Mar
garet
But instead Of suspecting anything
wrong with them he considered himself
ct fault toward his niece for his blue
humor and his disinclination 20 entertain
the women; and. accordingly. he thought
Il proper TO apologize for himself, alleging
that he was worried about some important
business regarding his trade.
| And indeed Macheca stood up by his
seat part Of the time. and between one
mouthful and another would pace up and
down the room. stopping now and then
| in his apartment 10 get ready an outft
| OF disguise which he intended TO don.
| Notwithstanding the fact that his expe-
| dition would be under cover OF darkness.
Hence Margaret had no need 10 con-
trive any pretext TO shorten the supper
time and ask leave to retire. as she
had previously planned. and she confined
herself to stealing a warning look now
and then at Gabrielle, winking at her or
prompting the girl with her foot under
the table. and at each odd movement
when Gabrielle was liable 10 arouse sus-
picion.
Though every minute seemed year
to the girls. they tried 10 appear at ease,
and almost le!surely concealing. as well
as they could. any signs OF haste or pre-
| cipitation.
The supper was nearly ended and the
| girls had begun TO peal fruit. when the
| uncle swapping at an apple. bade them
good might and hurried of to his rooms.
Gabriella soon arose from her seat. but
Margaret forced her back. whispering:
Lets see the end OF his Fastening
And really. Margaret's waiting was not
In vain; for Macheca was soon heard
pounding soundly on the stairs; then the
slamming Of the door echoed throughout
the house and all was silent.
Margaret smiled faintly and q bit pa
tronizingly TO Gabrielle and then said:
Now is the time: come on quick" and
the two girls rushed up TO their rooms
ana 10 the windows from which they per-
celved in the darkness which had fully
settled upon the earth, the dim outline
OF a man. fading away around the cor
ner Of the house.
Macheca strode straightforward TO the
nearest OF Orsinfs fruit stores. Stopping
at a reasonable distance from the en-
trance. he sat down on the stone founda
tion of a lamp-post, being entirely con-
| Cealcu DN lts SndoOWs, WHllo nc was awe
to see clearly, by the radiant light every
thing about him. He lighted his pipe
turning his face to the larnp-posD. pulled
the brin OF his slouch hat down over his
forehead, crossed his legs. and kept his
eyes fixed upon the store. in order 10
find out whether or not Orsini was with
in The proprietor aid not appear. how
ever. and Macheca after a while come
off his guard. intending 10 lay in wait
at the other fruit-store. before the time
, should come for closing up.
As Macheca was crossing the street to
the opposite side walk. a man coming
, from the other direction dashed against
him and went hastily to the same seat.
which was still warm. left by Macheca.
''Oh" murmurred the Grand Master.
He IL not 90 green as thought ne
was"
Macheca had recognized Scaffoldi in
that rambler who was In such haste 20
occupy the deserted post which afforded
fine point of observation.
From that movement Of Scaffoldi, Ma
, checa inferred that Orsini was already
in that store. and so he went 10 look
for another place. where he could keep
both men in sight. Perceiving a dark
doorway IN large building nearby.
which was exactly suited TO his pur-
pose ne lodged into It.
This second turn at guard was a little
longer for the Grand Master than the frs.
one, but at last came to an end TO his
great enjoyment.
The lamps were turned down In the
J frut-store, and on the stoop soon ap-
peared two figures: the salesman and the
proprietor.
AT length" murmured Macheca. see
ing Orsini and his man walking down
the street.
scafoldi, peering out from his observa-
tory, waited until he thought the two
men were far enough distant 10 render
] the pursuit safe. and then started after
\ them.
, Macheca also slipped from the DARK
doorway and a double chase began
Orsini and his man did not look back
neither did scaroldi. who seemed yer,
careful 10 avoid any store brilliantly IL
I Eliminated or any place with electric
lights darting from cover 10 cover div.