The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-13

An the enemies of the Venetian repub- hc. Montoni in reality was Ievying blackmail on all who could pay and who were within the reach of his power. As he could pay his soldiery lit- tie cash, he gave them full liberty to rob. so that the ancient stronghold of Udolpho had degenerated into Q nest of thieves. The authorities were hindered from sending an expedition to wipe it outonly by the more important matters claiming their immediate attention.
 During the absence of Montoni Emily frequently heard at night strains or music coming from below her window, and once or twice she caught sight of the gfostly figure gliding along the platform ana vanishing by the haunted cannon. One of the airs that the unseen musicians played overcame her with Q sudden thrill. She remembered once, when she was happy in La Vallee. that, going to fetch her flute, which she had left In little fishing house overlooking played by an unknown haad. When she the place 1t was vacant, but the flute. which she had left on a window seat. had been thrown upon the table, appar- ently in haste by the mysterious mu- sician. This experience had been re- peated. and she had also found in the fishing house some verses apparently addressed to her.
 VaIancourt had admitted to her that before he met her on the Journey with her father he had been in the neighbor. hood of La Vallee, and she had taken it for granted that 1t was he who had been the author of the music and the verses. And now she heard that air again! Could 1t be that Valancourt, perhaps coming to seek her, had been take en prisoner and was confined in Udolph She partially confided her hopes and fears to Annette, and the maid under took to ascertain the truth through her faithful Ludovico.
 Emily's anxiety regarding the fate of her aunt was extreme, but all that she could learn was that the unfortunate lady still lived, though kept in the strictest seclusion and rapidly sinking toward the grave. On the return of Montonl she was informed that his wife had been removed to her former chamber and that her niece had permis- sion to visit her. She found Madame Montoni evidently near death but still firm in her resolution not to hand over her property to her husband. The next morning Annette rushed into Emily's chamber. hysterically announcing that Madame Montoni had died during the night. The girl had scarce time to in- dulge In the natural grief that she felt for her aunts sad end when a messen- ger from Montoni summoned her to his presence.
 "I have sent for you" said the Lord of Udolpho sternly, ito say that as your aunt's husband am heir to all she pos sesses. That which she withheld from me in her life is now mine. You will sign this paper releasing any fancied claims you may have on her estate. Sign, and you will be sent back to France; refuse and beware my Ven- geance."
 q am not so ignorant as you sup pose" replied Emily. My aunts estates l are mine by law and my own hand snail never betray my right"
 Montoni turned pale with anger "This night, this very night" said ne and was proceeding when deep' | solemn voice, coming apparently rom l inc stone wall of the room in which | they sat alone, repeated: This night | This nightw Montoni paused and turn l ed half around, but collected ninseii and went on. You have seen one eK- ample of my vengeance. I could tell yov | of others that would make you tremole to hear" A deep groan, coming ap' parently from beneath their feet, in' | terrupted the speech. "I will have yen. geance as we'll as justice!" cried Mon | toni, appearing not to notice the
 another groan filled the air. Leave the | roomn' shouted Montoni And as fol these fool tricks-I will soon discover
 by whom they are practioed."
 That night as Emily passed along thu
 corridor near her chamber she was sud
 denly seized by one of Montonfs com | panions, the Signor Verezzi, who begar | to pour out a torrent of protestationi | of undying love. and gave her to under
 stand that Montoni had sent him on hti | mission.
 Breaking away from the man with { ] mighty effort the terrified girl flew tS