The daily morning journal and courier., 1905-10-07

<A9 II "dhlIlS Ir0Il d III CeAAl'' ~'ASS+e% answers The same. with thee
 Thou knowest what I ask of thee; well, then. what is thy price? Will fifty ducats satisfy thee?"
 ''Yes,' answers Cosma.
 'Vasili, go fetch my money pouch
 No, not yet; when I shall have ac- complished my task you can pay me, I bring you the woman, you pay me the money
 So saying, Cosma walked into the garden, wrapped his cloak about him, and threw himself on the grass.
 He seems the right man for my work; a weight is lifted off my heart" murmurs Nicola.
 As night drew near, Cosma frightened his stirrups and mounted his/ horse, Await my return in the meadow, mas ter,' and away he flew like arrow.
 The full moon fiickered through the fog, enveloping hills and forest in gossamer shroud. Only the chatter of the horses feet broke the dead silence. On reaching Frasini, he found the out CT gates locked, After repeated knock ings voice from within cried: 'Who is there?"
 'Open the gate,'" thundered Cosma.
 Then impatient at the delay, he calls out: Tt is I, Cosma Racoare.''
 A light is seen Hitting by, then the sounds of voices, and at last the bolts are withdrawn. Cosma enters. He finds the house door open. "A woman without fear,' he mutters. His steps resound through the long, dark corri- dor. A door is thrown open, and there on it's threshold stands Sultana, radiant as before, clad in white, and flowing hair. her hand clutching the scimitar.
 Who art thou? What seekest thou here?" she cried.
 T came to carry you off, and take you to Nicola zamfride." answered Cosma.
 So this is thy errand!'' she said scornfully. Beware that the fate of Nicola do not befall thee
 Cosma draws nearer, gives a slight twist to her wrist, and the weapon falls to the ground. She shrinks back in dismay, and calls out; Gabriel, Nico- lai, Foader, help!" They came no far ther than the entrance. Cosma lays hold of her arm, but she frees herself and snatches a dagger from table.
 What are ye gaping at, ye towards !? Advance and bind him!'' You are wasting words, fair lady. I admire your courage, but it avails you nuaght."
 Then the servants were heard to whisper. terror-strfcken:
 How may we bind him? It is Cosma Racoare, the invincible." "Ye wretches!'' she shrieks, and in her fury attacks Cosma He catches her in his arms, takes both hands and i, pinions them with a fletcher strap Make room!' he cries, and all step back. Quietly he leads her out; the while muttering' to himself: What a superb creature! Such ewes! Such pride Nicola has chosen we'll"
 Sultana glares at her terrified vas sels and realizes, her captivity; she meets the dark gaze of her captor, and 1 bows her head.IS I'''s. : ''':' .-, f." +
 Who are you?% she asks 1 "I am Cosma Racoare."
 She sees fear depicted on the faces of her people. Now she understands all. | Cosma mounts his horse and places , Sultana in front of him. Away they | speed: To Cosn1a, it seemed as. if he were flying throuh infinite space on. a phantom horse. Now and then he would murmur:. Such a glorious wo- manu' The moon shone radiantly, Sultana truned her head and looked at Cosma,
 On they sped, her black hair falling in ebony waves about her. She trem. bles and feels his eyes burning into her soul.
 Why do you look at me? Why dc i you tremble? Are you cold?"
 On, on, they fly. Suddenly, vague shadows are seen, flittering hither and thither in the distance.
 What is it?" she whispers faintly.
 Your master, Nicola, awaits you l there'
 Suddenly with spadmodic wrench , she frees her wrists, and before Cosma has time to regain his wits she takes the reins out of his hands and turns the horses head. Her left arm clasps