Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-22
CHAPTER XVI.
The Priest.

After Reltano left me | sat for time
thinking over the interview in a mood of
profound detection and consuming anx-
iety.
l was not much concerned about the
vague threats against myself. although
it was intensely disquieting to know that
the instant l set foot on the mainland
should be in danger of arrest. ! did not
believe that he himself would take any
steps to give me up. 1t was clear that In
the past I had had his confidence. He
had been very anxious for my escape on
the night of Vicino's death. and l could
gamble on it that he had told me many
secrets the disclosure of which he would
fear II he played me any such trick
/ His attitude in the talk | had just had
with him confirmed this. He had been in
a furious temper on entering my hut, but
had been quick to restrain himself and
to pretend that relations were as
friendly as ever. In man of his reck
less. overbearing disposition this was
proof of Il reluctance to quarrel with me-
and there could be but one reason for this
fear of what he thought / knew and
could tell.
/ decided to put matters to an imme-
date test and went off to the boats
He had kept his word, and Luigi raised
no objection now to my going out. l
cruised about for an hour or SO, doing as
AluIH tuIllhIuS DIS COulu over the pOSi-
ton and trying to form some sort of
plan.
My first idea was to attempt to get Ma
sta away that night, but I was con-
WINGED mat after the suspicious Moita
had raised in Beltanos mind. followed by
what had passed between us. he would
keep such close watch on her as to
render that impossible.
/ must devise some other scheme. but
cudgel my wits as I would could think
ff md fc1~
puzzled ever.
Then had the first evidence Of Bel
tanos change toward me. On going to
the old fort I found Ahmet. the Turk.
at Breva's post. and he told me 1 was
not to enter the place.
! would not stand this. I'VE have been
good friends. Ahmet. and we need not
quarrel but / am going ir "
1T is Beltano's order. Beppo." he re-
piled. mo one is to enter"
did he mention my name?'
mo. but he was angry and told me to
let no one at all pass.
He did not mean to include me. I'll
take the responsibility.
~ can't let you pass. Beppo."
''Then you'll have to stop me by force"
and 1 stepped forward
He put himself in my path. 'You know
what he is when disobeyed."
laid my hand on my knife. II shall
only stop for force. Ahmet."
AS 1luSeppS iIdu NEARLY kIlI6O MIN III a
fight some time before and he heard the
result of my tussle with Giuseppe. the
Turk had little wish for any trouble of
the sort with me now. I acted with de-
liberate purpose. If Beltano shut me out
from Masita 1t was hopeless to think of
helping her. and in her interest I must
overawe the rest of the men.
He hesitated and raised his musket half
way to his shoulder You don't mean
this, Beppo? We have always been
/ drew my knife then. 81 mean every
syllable Of it. If you fire at me. 1t will
cost you your life" He was the worst
shot on the island. and even at close
range could be safely depended upon to
miss me.
But he did not fire. II must tell Bel
tano." he said. as he gave way.
Tell him or any one you please. 1t Is
all one to me- and I sheathed my weapon
and hurried into the building and up to
Masita.
I found Pepita with her and was glad
that the girl had not been removed. They
knew that Ahmet had been put on guard
in Brevas place and were discussing the
matter as I entered.
You know that Beltano has returned
them I said to Masita. He suspects
me of having been willing to help your
escape"
rs it true that he has brought priest
with him."
Eyes. He told me just now that you
will be married to him tomorrow"
He has been here and declares it shall
be tonight, but I will not II would
rather he killed me- Who is the priest?"
Il know not. Some creature of his, of
course"
cit is that vile fellow. Baracci. Beppo,"
put in Pepita "Breva told me-
'"Tonight. is it?" I murmured in dis
may. Dare you risk an attempt at es-
cape now with me. Pepita could get
some Of Breva's clothes as a disguise. and
III answer for 1t that we get away"
"Beltano tells me you are prescribed
and that it Is more than your life is worth
to be seen on the mainland"
Whether she was speaking out OF a new
care for my safety. or was prompted by
But ! saw that it was case for lie.
So I lied.
"rhat is not true 1 am no longer In
any danger I said. steadily.
She hesitated. fixing a keen glance on
me. "But-there is my VOW
IF once you are Beltano's wife you
will have little chance to keep it, I re-
piled with shrug. And if you hesitate,
the present chance will have passed"
"Why are you ready to run this risk
for me?''
Does it matter so long as am ready?
Pepita, run and bring the signorina some
of Brevas clothes. Quick girl. quick
She hurried away at once.
Are you telllng me the truth, that you
are no longer In danger?''
you will see for yourself I answered.
lightly.
She tossed up her hands and sighed. II
can't understand you. Both Breva and
Pepita swear that you are true man.
but You are a mystery she said,
turning away.
You must not Judge me by what you
know of my past I replied speaking in
English. nor by what you see of me
here
At the change OF language she turned
her eyes full on me again. How am l
to judge you. them" she asked In the
same tongue.
IF you will trust to me I swear on my
honor that you shall escape.
why do you speak now in English?''
"You have been in both England and
speaking man holds his honor before all
else
Her eyes widened. But you - You
are-you are-Beppo."
smiled I had never thought the name
could sound sweet in my ears, as it did
then.
"And I have sworn to accuse you,"
she added when ! did not reply.
YES" ] said in Italian again. Il am
Il am just Beppo. To you an assassin"
She started and shivered slightly at the
recollection the words stirred. and passed
her hand across her forehead. II must
keep my VOW she murmured.
At that moment we stood gazing 81
lently at each other Pepita came hurry
Ing back. ''It is impossible. Beppo. Bel
tano is with Ahmet,' she said. af-
frighted.
81 will go and see what it means. In