The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-03-11

hered to her refusal to suffer me in her presence.
 Pepita brought me my meals. and on the third evening she fingered as if wishful to chat
 said.
 Thanks largely to you, Pepita. Breva Will have good nurse In his little
 But you think you are stronger than you really are" she replied without the bright smile which generally enlivened her words. She was a delightfully."- sunny little creature.
 Why that solemn face, child? Have those sharp eyes of yours seen aught about Breva that vexes youg'
 Yes my eyes are sharp. Beppo. Has your illness blinded yours 90 that you see nothing7 Or is 1t as Giuseppe and Drako have 1t. that you have lost your senses so that you think she will not noticeg
 Who will not notice whatY'
 Molta If Breva treated me so. do you think I should not see 1t? You no longer care for her, Beppo; but sure ly you are mad to show It so that oth- CTS can see it. Breva has noticed 1t. too."
 "A man may care for woman with out being her slave Pepita"
 Not before marriage. Beppo. At least that was not what you thought. or how you acted till a week ago. Does a man who cares for the woman show 1t best by avoiding her? Is coidness the proof of love? Is the averted cheek the lover's response to a caress? Iris but short week since you were hang ing on her slightest wishes gazing into her eyes with rapture, seeking her at every moment, eager to find and loath to leave. Do you do this nowY'
 You have been culling thistles from rose-bushes Pepita."
 Take care lest you cull the thorns when you are looking for the bud. I have eyes and can use them. You know Molta. You have changed to- ward her. I know not the reason nor your purpose. do not seek to know them. But I warn you that when her eyes are opened--and there are many here only too willing to open them-you will pay the price. heard Asapa speaking on the same theme only yesterday. We women can read the symptoms. Breva bade me warn you. She is Drako's sister, and loves you better than he." And with that, looking more serious than had ever seen her, she left me to my meal and the new thoughts she had started.
 had heard of Agapa, and only on the previous day had come across her in heated talk with BeItano. Breva had told me that he had once made hot love to her. and that she was very curious about the reason for Mastta's presence on the island. Drako was the firm ally Of Giuseppe: and all three would gladly join in any scheme against me.
 was in the midst of these uncom- fortable thoughts when Beltano came into my hut looking very uneasy.
 There is trouble. Beppo," he said at once, ssMasita has just made an attempt to leave the island. I caught her myself. Someone had left one of the boats in readiness for use. With such a wind as is blowing now, she would have been unable to manage the boat and would have been lost"
 Who helped herr"
 They say it was you. I have given orders that no. one Is to use the boats without leave, and have had the sails and oars locked away
 Who planes meT'
 "Dralxo. Twas your boat she took. :"
 "fTe lies. Beltano."
 ''I know it. You are not yet so tired of liberty that you would help her in her purpose of denouncing you. But there is treachery somewhere. And that at moment when have to leave the island"