The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1906-04-04

Vi COsinh hdcOare NlcOla starts. BE
1t so,' he mutters.
On the third day after the interview,
Cosma appeared. He was clad in
Russian cap we'll drawn over his
close-ftting fustian, heavy boots, and
head. His rife slung across his back
and leading his horse, he leisurely and
sullenly approached Nicola, who sat
under the linden, smoking his pipe.
Vaslli whispered into Nicolas ear:
Look at him, master; that fellow
will fetch you the Devil himself"
Nicola stares at Cosma then the lat
ter says: "God be with you"
AS If waking from a dream, Nicola
answers: "The same with thee"
Thou knowest what l ask of thee;
well, then, what is thy price? VIII
fifty ducats satisfy theeT
YES" answers Cosma.
"vasili. go fetch my money pouch"
mo, not yet; when shall have ac-
complished my task you can pay me.
l 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; weight is lifted off my heart"
murmurs Nicola.
AS night drew near Cosma tightened
his stirrups and mounted his horse,
Await my return in the meadow,
MASTER" and away he few like an ar.
row.
The full moon flickered through the
fog, enveloping hills and forest in a
gossamer shroud. Only the clatter Of
the horses feet broke the dead 81.
lence. On reaching Grasini, he found
the outer gates locked. After repeated
knocklngs, voice from within cried:
who Is thereT'
Then, impatient at the delay, he calls
out: 1T Is l, Cosma Racoare."
A light is seen fitting by, then the
sound of voices, and at last the bolts
are withdrawn. He finds the house
door open. "a woman without fear"
he mutters. His steps resound through
the long, dark corridor. A door is
thrown open, and there ON its
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.
Il came to carry you off, and take
you to Nicola Zamfirlde," answered
Cosma.
so this is thy errandw 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,
Nicolai, Foaeder, helpw They came
no further than the entrance. Cosma
lays hold Of her arm, but she frees
herself and snatches a dagger from a
table.
What are We gaping at, We cow
ards? Advance and bind himv'
"You are wasting words, fair lady.
l admire your courage, but it avails
you naught.'
Then the servants were heard to
whisper terror-stricken
How may we bind him? 1t is
Cosma Racoare, the invincible."
"Ye wretches," she shrleks. and in
her fury attacks Cosma. He catches
her in his arms. takes both hands and
pinions them with leather strap.
Make roomw he cries, and all step
back. Quietly, he lead her out; the
while muttering to himself: what
superb creature! Such eyes Such
pride! Nicola has chosen WELL"
Sultana glares at her terrified vas
sails, and realizes her captivity; she
meets the dark gaze of her captor.
who are your she asks.
II 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 Cosma it seemed as If they
We're flying through infinite space on
phantom horse. Now and then he
would murmur: "Such glorious wom-
an"
The moon shone radiantly. Sultana
turned her head and looked at Cosma.
On they sped, her black hair falling
in ebony waves ebout her She trem-
bles and feels his eyes burning into
her soul.
"Why do you look at me? Why do
you tremble? Are you cold?"
On, on, they fly. Suddenly, vague
shadows are seen fitting hither and
thlther in the distance
what is it?" she whispers, family.
"Your master, Nicola, awaits you
there"
Suddenly, with spasmodic 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
his neck. and her head rests upon his
breast.
81 will go with you; do not take me
TO him." she sighed.
With lightning speed they turn back,
leaving no trace behind; on, on, to
safe haven in the mountains New
York Evening Post.
Nsban N .yonau oovc oha hok.,s xn