The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-03-09
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4tecnVered tHhL nuT tuuuSh1S almost ae great as that of Beltano hini- self and that even he hesitated before doing anything to which she was op- posed. All those on the island obeyed her as readily as they did her brother and d flash from her dark eyes or hot word of two was enough to secure instant eompiiance on their part.
 gRthered that in her opinion the men on the island were, with one or two exceptions, q poor set cf creatures: Hsitnno and Melta owned the whole Of it, and the olive groves and wheat lands were carefully and proftahly eui- tivated for their benefit. They ap- peaFed to live on the proceeds; although Beitanc received considerable sums Of money for certain secret services reri- dAred to soma rich man. aiways spoken of ae "the Count" who lived on an es- tate On the mainland close to the sea,
 One Of such services had been the so : duetion Of the magistrate, vicino. 'sThe Count" had been the virtual ruler of the province, 1t appeared. but was now under q political cloud; and Vieino had been 6 formidable opponent h posses sion of information which was to nave been ext0rted from him under pressure during a period of captivity on the isi- and. The result would have been hia overthrow and the victory of "the Count" with q return to political power. His murder had. however, pre- vented this little plot. and as his death had in some way leaked out, there had been such a commotion that Reltanc was genuinely alarmed and apprehen- sfve of serious trouble.
 From the open way in which both Beitano and Molka spoke 10 me about it all, 1t was clear that had been close In their eonfidence; and that had taken chief part in getting viei- no to the place where he had met his death. I discovered that the reasou for this lay in the fact that I was the only person on the island who could write we'll.
 The scheme had matched was ai small credit to my cunning as it wal eioquant of my lack of seruple. Vsclnc had been an admirer of Masita: and had written him letter, purporting Co come from her, asking him to so tc the hut to help her secretly in setting wastreI. out of trouble. The hut waa on her estate, and had forged an ur- gent message from Julius to Masita begging her to come to the same place at once, did not at first ascertain why her presence had been necessary; but learnt later. and cursed myself for the part had played. Beltano's plan was to carry of the two with the object Of compelling Masita to become his wife, while leaving it to pc beiieved tnas vtcino had abducted her.
 The habit had been taken by both; hut the results had been disastrous. ow- ing to the murder of the magistrate; and Molta bitterly represented me for having Killed him
 If it had been any other than you. Beppo, it would not have mattered." she 1r,ed once. He could have been given up and ali might have been ar ranged. But I will die before I iet them touch hair of your head Why aid you do itf You are always so reckieas. and now think of what Y means."
 T have told you know nothing of what passed" replied.
 | had repeated to her what had ale ready told to Beltano and Breva.
 "A mere blow on the head would not " Tt did it, Molta. That is aIl." re- piled bIuntIy. don't lie."
 But you are so wilful. You take your own way at all times. You never seem to think. You may have ruined us"
 +Ah, you weary me" exclaimed. Give me to the carabinieri if you will and I will answer to them"
 "Beppo." she cried excitedly. and broke into a torrent or reproaches that 1 should even think her capable of such treachery. When I love you so."
 l turned to her with a smile. "Ah. Molta, you don't understand. Do you think I would not rather suffer any puniahment they could infiict than that an act of mine should harm your"
 At the words she melted instantly. Her eyes glowed and she seized my hand and covered it with kisses. Those are the first words of thought for me you have uttered in all these days. Mother of Heaven. how you have pow or to move me with even a word. You do love me as ever, Beppo?"
 Have you had no proof of that? Or are your doubts of me 70 strong that they stife all other feelingsT'
 "You have been so strange in your illness. So cold. so irresponsive, so un- like yourself: An. but my heart has been heavy with sorrow and dark like a northern night with the clouds of fear.''
 passed my hand across my forehead and sighed. sometimes I do not un- derstand myself If seem cold blame my illness. But the dawn comes even after northern night Molta."
 Pray Heaven it will. and soon Sep DO: for 1 am very desolate," And with that she laid her head on my shoulder ana burst into tears.
 I let her weep. Any mood was more welcome than her endearments. But her tears were soon dried, and when