Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-01

Why did the rest leave me alone here?"
"Breva hunted me out and told me they
were afraid that the carabinieri were
coming and fed. rushed here at once.
The signorina declares that she viii keep
her VOW and dehounce you as the muir
derer. We can't have that. and must
return to the island as soon as possible.
81 think I'm strong enough to move
now said. and with big effort
struggled to- my feet.
Wed better start then. I shall take
Vicino's body to the island and keep the
fact of his death secret. It's the only
way and YOU must be nursed. Molta will
see to that
I'm ready" agreed. And what
about the signorina?''
Before he could reply to the question
there came loud knocking at the door.
1.-THE carabinieri." he said, in a low
voice. go into the room where Breva is
| watching Masita and leave me to ex-
plain things"
1 did as he directed and he unbarred
the windows.
AS I entered the other room Masita
looked up, and Ahe expression of half
fearSome anticipation changed to the look
of loathing had already seen so often
What is the knocking, Beppo?" asked
Breva.
1.-THE carabinieri"
1.-THE Holy Virgin be thanked" cried
Masita.
why. signorina?" asked Breva.
Because they will punish this wretch
for his crime,'' was the instant reply.
He glanced at her and from her to me
and shrugged his shoulders. 'Beltano
will have a word or two to say about
| that first. 1t will depend upon who the
| men are There are very few men who
care to play the fool with him. Eth,
Beppo"
Let it be as it WILL" I replied, curtly.
II will see that they do this at any
rate" declared Masita, resolutely.
At that Breva drew out his knife. mo
one shall touch Beppo,' he said, grimly.
Put up your knife, Breva. The sig
| norma will do what she pleases.''
"She has sworn to accuse you Of this
murder"
"she will do what she pleases. Breva.'
mot while I'm here" be retorted.
| meaningly.
We waited for few hanging moments
| in suspense, listening for sounds Of the
mems coming. and Breva's eyes never
left Masfta's face.
This is unbearable" she cried at
length II shall go to them. Do not think
you shall escape
You cannot leave this room, signor-
| ina." declared Breva, sternly.
Il shall keep my VOW"
'"Then you must change the terms of
It" he retorted.
She rose and moved toward the door.
| and he put himself in her path, holding
TIE QrdWH knlI0 Dy his sue.
do you dare to threaten me?" she
cried.
He made no reply except to raise the
weapon slightly.
With an unexpected action seized his
hand and wrested away the knife do
| as you will, signorina.'' I said.
Are you mad, Beppo?" exclaimed
Breva.
Masita stopped surprise in every fea-
ture. as she stared at me-
Ii. -
away from the door. Breva, or we shall
quarrel told him. Let the signorina
do as she says. She has made a VOW.
Let her keep it if she will
Breva held his place stubbornly before
the door and blocked her way. Masita
looked from one to the other OF us in
mounting establishment.
Let me pass, Breva,' she said at
length.
DO you think the men there are tired
i'll as to think that If you were to do what
you threaten he would let them touch
Beppo? Do you wish to see more blood
shed? Your first word to them would be
the signal for their death Leave things
to go their own course. Only woman
would play the fool in this way
Masita halted In hesitation. Then she
turned to me.
THAT is why you told Breva to let me
pass, then? You believe what he says as
to the consequences?''
Her hatred and prejudice against me
were such that she would take none but
the blacklist views of my every word and
act. You must judge as seems best to
of the shoulders. do as you will
Leave the door clear, Breva," added, as
I approached him.
You are as mad as she, Beppo Bel
tano ordered me to keep her in this
ROOM
ssYou knou, mo Rroya 10 90 oox,n
you are hurt and not fit to judge this
thing" he replied, holding his ground.
do as I say" repeated.
But instead of complying he opened the
door quickly and went out, exclaiming, II
will tell Beltano."
The way is clear, signorina," said,
instantly.
But instead of following Breva she hest
tated again. as If unable to believe that
could let her go in this way to betray
me.
I understood her thoughts. IT have no
subtle motive. If you deem it right to do
what you have said. do it. But if you
hesitate. the chance will pass you"
Il don't understand you." she MUIR
INJURED.
II shall not stop you. That is all. 1
believe you are doing a mad thing;
thing which. as Breva says, may en-
danger the lives of these police. But you
may feel bound by your VOW. If you
think this act will save you, do as you
think. I am willing to give my life to
save you, and as we'll this way as an
other"
II would not take your help" she re-
piled, shrinking from me-
"Then try your own way" said, curt
ly, and crossing my arms leant back
against the wall.
Our eyes met, and for a second L
thought she felt something of the sin
certify of my wish to help her. But the
next she shuddered, her face hardened
her lips drew down, her glance changed
to one of loathing, and she turned to rush
out of the room to carry out her pur-
pose
But it was too late. Beltano barred her
path. his face wearing a confident smile.
Where would you go, Masita?'
ITO denounce this wretch for bis
crime she replied. firmly.
You are too late. The police have
gone. You must not think too harshly of
Beppo. Nor must you interfere in this.
It does not concern you
Il have sworn to accuse him, and I
will" she declared.
He shrugged his shoulders and spread
out his hands, and his smile broadened
as he shook his head, answering in an in
dulgent tone, You must try to curb your
pretty impatience. Beppo is in my care
LET her go, Beltano,' said.
He shot a glance of establishment at
me. Has that crack on the head made
fool of you. Beppo?'
Let her co. repeated.
Enough of this he replied. with
gesture of Impotence. I'VE are return
shall have to ask you to honor us with
v1,ofi1 have