The Carlisle independent., 1906-03-01
AVENGERS OF THE OPPRESSED
By OWEN OLIVER
Copyright. 1905, by Joseph E. Bohles

IL " tiD tfCElHS NltCii at Laurels." My fathers wife Che had been dead two years) looked stealthily from behind curtain before she came to meet me.
 What is it. Lucy?' I inquired, anx- iously. Her letter had been almost in asoherent.
 The past has risen up against me, . she said in a slow unsteady voice. .e"It was when we lived in Italy four years ago" Her mother was Italian. T was only IS, Dick; and I joined secret so- ciety. They called themselves Aveng- CTS of the Oppressed They kill peo- ple-I thought it was all talk and would not believe him when he warned me against them"
 He? Who?" She twisted her hand- kerchief and did not answer. You'd better tell me, Lucy"
 He doesn't matter, really: but I win tell you--I loved him. That is all. Afterwards I found out that he loved me; but I thought then that he only looked upon me as a foolish. wilrful child. He was very masterfuI, and he 1 used to try to dictate to me So joined them, because he told me not to- I feared that some day the lot to do some thing would fall on me Then your ia ther proposed to me. He was content with such affection as I could give him. l was fond of him. Dick, in way. So married him to get away from Italy and them''
 And from-the man ?f suggested
 No, mol He went away before I was married. have never seen him or heard from him since. I thought that the so- ciety had forgotten me till month ago. Then l saw two Italians watching me. as l went into a shop. 1 found one Of the men at my elbow. He whispered in my ear-Oh. Dick! The first warning. Those who desert the society are given three warnings to return IT they go back they have to commit the next crime. If they donot go back-they die. prefer to die" " She shivered.
 T came down here stealthily to try and escape them. The morning before yesterday I yentured out for ride. I met the one who had spoken to me. He gave the second warning. After that they give three days-then they will kill me-
 Can you describe those men to me?'' asked.
 They are Italians; but they are very English in looks and dress. I do not know how to describe them
 An English-looking Italian came down with me in the train this morning" I observed, tEoughtfully. Tall and dark; black mustache and no beard; about 8; very good looking
 Tt is the one who did not speak to me" She clutched my arm. He spoke to me freely enough. Tn fact, he seemed anxious to make my ac- quaintance. He gave his name as An tonelli"
 He would not give his real name. You did not tell him yours. or where YOU lived?D
 Yes. did" I smiled. T had seen him read my luggage labels. He asked about you too-'
 Are you sure that you need run away?h 1 asked.
 "He spoke to you about me? Why should he take any interest in me?v
 A man might. He merely said that he had seen you in Rome when you were a young girl, and he would like to meet you. He admires you. That's FsaiEs So far as Antonellf-iS S conceriied. ]" l said, T will back your looks against the society," =
 You would not if you knew them"
 T may not know societies. but I know men. I don't believe for mo- ment that he belongs to it. My dear girl, it's all fancy No one is spying on you
 Some one comes at night" she per sisted. T have stood at the window in the dark, and seen something move. r know I am watched. I can feel it The man who spoke to me in London was not fancy I am sure. Dick
 "The fact is you're overwrought and hear what you expect hear. Your illusions will grow, if you ruin your health and nerves-by shutting yourself up indoors Come out with nae to- morrow. If We meet Antonelli, I'll in trodaee him.
 And if I think he's dangerous?"
 Then we'll have a detective down to watch him, and slip off to London when he's out of the way. There's no place like London to hide in.
 "I shall have to take another name" she observed I smiled
 T suspect that is the danger that Antonelli threatens" I told her
 She toyed with some grapes for a few moments. Then she suddenly laughed. and jumped up and dance1 ehndishiy round the room. After a few turns she took red rose from the table and put it in her white dress, and another in her hair.
 lou think it is the love-lorn An tonelli thas watches?" she asked.
 He, if anyone
 Then he is in danger,"
 She ran suddenly to the window, drew back the thick curtains and stepped out on to the balcony She laughed excitedly.
 q hope he is admiring the poor.