The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-03-14
MY LOST SELF
oopyrisAt Arthur "

By A. ". MARcF4MONT

1 searching look. Then I held up the I paper. -I will do all this if I can,' and with that closed the door be- I hind ma.
 I was convinced now that she had been pondering on my words, and that test of my readiness to keep my pledge. How gladly I welcomed it may be imagined.
 As left, questioned Brsva about her brother. His name was Julius, found, and the reason why he could be safely told of her whereabouts was that he was in Beltano's power and was deeply in love with Agapa. 'But she Is only fopling him." he added.
 told Molta of Maeita's request, and said that someone should be sent to fetch what was wanted. I had not seen her since the dispute of the pre- vious evening: and the fact that my first words were about Masita so an- gered her that she took the paper and tore it to shreds. declaring that no one should be sent on fools errand.
 "As you will" replied. But Bel tano will be angered." Her only re- ply was a laugh of indifference.
 decided therefore that I would go myself; and returning to the fort, I sent Pepita to obtain a second list and authority, and told Breva what I should do. He warned me almost pas sionately against any such course. If I were to be caught by the carabinieh all would be lost he declared, and of fering to go in my place. But I knew that if he went the anger which Mol ta would hesitate to vent upon me would certainly be visited upon him.
 I had little fear of being caught had found in my hut a suit of clothes much less outlandish than that which I was wearing; and dressed in them I could at need assume my own nation alitS.
 I bade Breva hold his tongue about my trip If my absence was noticed, he was merely to say I had gone fish ing; and as soon as received the fresh paper from Masita I set off.
 I was indeed glad 1t had fallen out that I should go myself. It would prove that my expressed desire to serve her was not mere talk; and if I suc- ceeded. reckoned that 1t would do more than week of talking to make her trust me.
 It was late in the afternoon before started. and contrary wind delayed my passage. Thus the dusk was be- ginning to fall when I reached Sol- ferino's farm and obtained a horse. was evidently well known there: and an indirect question or two as to which was the nearest road to Masita's mousse, LilS luLOEHdbiOn needed as to my route.
 had no difficulty in finding the place and on presenting her letter, the little packet was soon ready.
 But the message to her brother, Ju- Illus. was a different matter, He was not at the house. and l was told that I should probably find him at one of the taverns in the little town of Le- vaccio, some two or three miles dist ant
 This was not so much to my liking It was not at all improbable that had been to the places and might be rec oGnized. Still there was no help for fl. and l accordingly turned my horses had in the direction and set off at smart pace.
 On consideration I decided to make the search for him on foot: and leav- ing my horse fastened in a copse out side the town. assumed a casual air and strolled up the main street. keeping a wary eye for signs of the carabin- Teri.
 I sauntered into the first place which had been mentioned to me and finding 1t all but empty, called for some wine and asked the man who served me if Julius Correggio had heen there.
 The sound of my voice brought a woman out; comfortable. honlely- looking body, who gave me a sharp glance, murmured a good evening. and sent away the man. Then she came close to me and with a gesture of eau tion, whispered: Why are you here, Beppo? The town Is full of the cara binieri looking for you."
 T must have word with Julius Cor reggio at once"
 "As ever. the most reckless fool of all." she cried. throwing up her hands as if amazed at my foolishness. Stay l here. I will send for him. Sit ovor there. Be drunk or anything you will. | lest the police come"
 She hurried away and I took my | wine to one of the small tables and sat down, feeling, 1t must be confessed, | uncomfortable at her news. | l was anxious to do the service for | but not at the cost of falling | into the hands of the police.
 Some minutes passed; anxious min | utes they were. too, as I sat listening l to every sound in the street; and pres- | entIy she came bustling back, looking l pale and troubled. They are coming | here" she said. Come. and I'll try to hide you.'
 (COntinued TOmOrrow.)