The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-04-06
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 q have done what planned to do, and shall not run from the conse- auences. Are you for or against me?"
 q have never been against you; and had I known that you were at the house there. I would not have gone. '"
 And if Beltano Is set upon my death. what thenT'
 He is my leader. not his Beppo," he replied bluntiy; and l questioned him no more.
 At Solferino's we were told that Bell tano had left orders that we were to lose no time in returning to the island: but did not learn whether he himseir had gone there or not.
 Drako was waiting in the boat; and the instant Ahmet saw him he uttered a cry of rage and. catching him by the throat. shook him like a rat in his powerful left hand and flung him head long into the bows with contemptu- ous curse at his cowardice.
 As soon as we were we'll under weigh Luigi came and began to ques- tion me about what I meant to do on landing. He had heard my talk with Ahmet and declared that although the Turk might obey BeItano without ques- ton, there were many on the island who would not. Giuseppe had ene- mics among the men; my fight With him had made those my friends. and he thought they would probably stand by me in any trouble.
 "rhey have always been against his marrying Molta, Beppo. and will not have him as leader" he added. Some of them are also against Beltano's mar rying Masita. They side wNh Agapa and resent his treatment of her. If you can make your peace with Molta, therefore. all may yet. sbss well
 But this was precisely what did not mean to do. All the deceit of that pre- tended love making had become a thousand times more hateful than be- fore, and I would not stoop to lie to her in order to escape her brothers anger. I did not tell Luigi this; but put him off with some general reply and said that wished to be left alone to think.
 On one point was absolutely re- solved: I would not speak one word nor commit a single act dishonoring the motive which inspired my love for Masita. I recalled with thrill Of de- light the change in her manner to- ward me; the sweet solicitude she had shown the light of compassion in her eyes, the risks she had faced to secure my safety. the desire for my confidence.
  these were as the suns brilllance breaking through the gloomy mist of my troubled thoughts.
 It was because of her and or the wild hope of winning her that l had faced the hazard of returning to me island--that I might obtain the proofs of my innocence and so render myself worthy of her. And what had to do should be- done without the stain Of lies and deceit.
 Had it not been for this love of nine for Masita. my course would have been nlain enough-to fly the country. In the disguise she had offered me, could have reached Tripani in safety; few hours would have seen me in Naples or Rome as Cuthbert Dalrymple; Beppo Serrano would have been no more than A myth: and all that chapter of my life would have closed forever.
 And when the light on the island flashed into view, had some misgiv- inps whether after all had not taken the wrong ccl rse; and whether 1t would not have been much wiser to have used the influence and money which would have been at my com. mand to set others to discover the truth about Vicino's death.
 If Beltano had already returned to the island. I should have to face crisis at once. Inefe WOulu ue HO tillc to act upon Luigrs well-meant advice and try to win Giuseppe's enemies to my side. And when we approached the landing stage. my heart quickened It's beat as I tried to make out Beltano's figure among those who were awaiting us.
 could not see him; and presently out of the darkness came Molta's voice from the beach. Are you there. Car lo?" I gave a sigh of relief and thank fulness.
 Ahnet answered her. NO. Molta. We thought he had returned.
 AS I stepped ashore she saw me. "Beppo," she cried in astonishment.
 "Yes, Beppo." said quietly.
 q marvel you dare let us see your face again" she replied, surprise chang ing quickly to anger.
 'The dog of a traitor" exclaimed Giuseppe, taking his cue from her an- ger: and one or two of those near him echoed the words with muttered exec crations and threats.
 It was an ominous reception in all truth.
 VXVV.