The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-28

WHAT - yOur OAcAS0s IrlondY ne
asked. dryly. M
II am accused. of theft, your Tx
cellency. "but before high heav-
EN-
you are innocent. OF course. I
understand that
"You do not believe me guilty.
senor?"
II know you to be Innocent"
You know, senor?"
"Yes, my heart tells me-"
The stranger dissolved into tor
rents of gratitude. He praised the
senor's perspicacity and called down
the blessings of heaven upon the head
OF his discerning host.
What is your name, friend?" said
Don Jose. interrupting because he
was afraid he would be dead before
the conversation had concluded.
There was no telling at what moment
the hidden Dantzicers would put their
scheme into operation.
"Giorgio, with your Excellency's
permission. l have been pursued all
day. l was nearly dead, senior. when
providence directed me to the gar
dens below. I saw the open window
and determined to enter at all costs.
something told me that I should meet
kindness here. The saints befriend-
ed me, and"
But stop moment, you are not
safe yet. What of your pursuers. nv
friend?"
You will not deliver me into their
hands, senior. You know me to be
innocent"
Giorgio stretched out his hands
with an imploring gesture. His eyes
scanned every line of Don Jose's face
with desperate eagerness.
Don Jose offered him some wine.
From the moment that his gaze had
lighted on the strangers counte-
nance an idea had been formulating
In his brain. He had been startled
from the first by the fact that the
man, save for his clothing and coarse
ness, was not unlike himself, In
height and stature there was little
to choose between the two. Don
Jose coupled this with the fact that
his visitor was fool, and his heart
became rejuvenated with hope. His
brain was, in manner, subtle and
quick to conceive ruse and strata
gem, and in Giorgio he saw
heaven-sent chance of escape from
the Dantzicers.
my friend" he said, charging his
wine-glass. II not only undertake to
shield you from your enemies. but
II you will be guided by my advice
promise you deliverance. am
even in a more hazardous position
than yourself"
Giorgio began to open his eyes.
You are in danger, senior! Is It
possible?"
peace. I will explain. am in
such danger that my life is not worth
an hours purchase
"Oh, horrible!"
Nevertheless, I speak the truth.
I may be murdered any moment"
Mother Of mercy! Your Excel
lency is then rich?''
Fool, I am so poor that I am a
servant Of the Emperor"
But, senior, you are a Spaniard."
And not the only one in the EN-
peror's service. Now, listen: I was
sent here nearly year ago because
Dantzic is seething with sedition and
plots against the Emperor's person.
The place was honeycombed with
secret societies. A great many of
these, flatter myself, no longer ex-
list, but there are several still alive.
Somehow they have discovered me to
be the Emperor's servant. For the
last month have had the utmost
difficulty to keep my feet out of the
grave, and to-day learn from a man
in my pay that my hiding place has
been discovered. Further, am in
full knowledge of the fact that GER
tain seditious gentlemen are deter
mined upon my death before the
morning
But, senior, why do you remain
here?" he exclaimed, furiously ex-
cited; why do you not escaped"
A smile Of pity illumined Don
Jose's passive countenance.
II see, friend, that you are ignor-
ant Of the ways of Dantzic," he said,
quietly; "every mode of egress from
this chateau is guarded"
IT do not understand"
Every likely. The chateau is sur
rounded by unseen foes. You have
seen nobody, and II I were to walk
abroad this moment it is unlikely
that should meet single soul upon
the highways. But / should be found
dead tomorrow morning with bull
let in the BRAIN
Giorgio gave a gesture Of despair.
'Then all is lost, senor," he cried:
I'VE are both dead men,
Nonsense! We shall both es-
cape"
"Senor, you bewilder me! First
you tell me that the chateau is sur
rounded, and then-Ah, heaven,
what is that?"
The sound Of horsemen approach
ing at the gallop broke the silence
nf the night