Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-02

Governor.
Absolutely irrevocable, signora. You see
how it stands my orders are explicit"
Their explicitness is as nothing compared
to the clearness of the next mandate you will
receive from Rome!" she blazed out. Was
it according to your orders that an English
lady was carried off by brigands, simply to
glut the vengeance of my discarded Beppo!
You spoke OF confederates, Signor Marchetti
What of the confederacy that permits this man
to be your guest while your officers are making
mock search for him in the bazaar! Your
judges. even such as they are, will laugh him
out of court when he tries to substant1ate the
charge he has brought against Baron Won
spite he attacks his rival with Ease evidence
rather than let it be known that a woman
twisted him round her little finger. Look at
him now! He would strike me dead, if he
dared. but he cannot answer me"
Alfieri leaped to his feet. His voice rose to
cracked falsetto. You hear, you hear!" was
his cry. "She robbed me of the papyrus, yet
boasts of it She is thief, self confessed
Mrs. Haxton also sprang, up. Her physical
dread of the man had yielded to the triumph
Excellency hears" she said IF am to
blame for the loss of your papers. why Is Baron
Kerber in prison on your testimony"
You are both in league!, he almost
screamed Il was blind. infatuated, at
Assuan. It was the Austrian who planned
my undoing, and you, his paramour. who
cajoled me out of my senses.
Il refuse to stay here and be insulted by
such a coward she said gathering her skirts
as though she intended to take her departure
instantly. But it will be fine story that
Signor Fenshawe cables from Alden when he
tells how the Governor of Massawa aided and
allotted this half-crazy poltroon in onslaughts
on de1enseless women. 1t was not enough
that Italian law should be misused to further
his ends; but the scum of the bazaar IS en-
listed under his banner. and he SUPPORTED
by the authorities in act that would be
reprobated by any half-savage State in exist
ence"
Il pray you calm yourself, signora," ex
claimed Marchetti, now fully alive to the
dangers confronting him. You must see
that have acted only in an official capacity.
l, at least, have no feeling in the matter.
received certain Information"
Which was entirely misleading and one
sided" she broke in imperiously
(which certainly did not refer to you in any
particular" was the sharp rejoinder, while he
glanced at Alfieri If this gentleman is now
prepared to say that he was mistaken"
"Who dares to hint at any admission on my
part?" shouted Alfieri.
The stout Governor did not like to be
bawled at. He was sufficiently embarrassed
already by the quagmire into which Allerl had
plunged him. You ought to be careful in
There is no question of dare or dare not,
where am concerned. Signora, do me the
favor of sitting here while I discuss matters
briefly with Signor Alferi Signor, be good
enough to precede me.
He pointed to the door. With queer
catching at her breath, Mrs. Haxton sank into
a chair. Alheri folded his arms and gazed at
the Governor with eyes that blazed under his
heavy brows.
You are the representative of Italy" he
said, making a great effort to speak quietly.
q call on you to lodge that woman in cell SO
that she may be tried with her accomplish"
IF YOU do not go instantly, and in silence,
into the corridor will call my guards to
take YOU there bv force!" exclaimed Marchetti.
Alferi, with fierce gesture of disdain, went
out.
His Excellency bowed to the woman. Two
minutes" he murmured
The Governors two minutes heightened
into ten. Then he hurried back alone. He
was manifestly i'll at ease, though he spoke
glibly enough.
Il am taking grave step, signora," he said:
but / feel that the peculiar circumstances
warrant it. ! have released the Baron Won
kerber. He is now awaiting you and 1t will
give me much pleasure to conduct you to your
carriage. Yet pray you give earnest heed to
me | have told him what | now tell you: this
undertaking of yours must be abandoned.
Not only is it my duty to prevent it at all costs,
but an expedition starts for the Five Hills this
very night So, you see, you are sure to fail in
any case. The exact locality IS known, and
Signor Alfer has an armed escort"
As one walking in dream, Mrs. Haxton &C
companied Marchetti to the courtyard. There
she found Won kerber, who ran to meet her.