Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-15
CHAPTER XII.
"Are You Gaoler or SpyP"

Are 7 GU GaOler or SpyE
I was conscious of a new feeling of ella
ton now as l thought of Masita. / had
done something for her. I recalled a
weird Italian story of the middle ages L
had once heard about a tabled beauty
who to test the zeal of her suitors threw
her ring into bag of asps and babe them
recover it. if they dared
In sense | had plunged my hand into
the bag of asps for Mastas sake; at any
rate l had run very real risk of cap
ture. with lifelong Imprisonment to fol-
low. in order to aid her. and the thought
of 1t filled me with jubilation l had made
good in act the promise to serve her. and
had proved to myself at least my zeal
in her cause.
I felt that I had established claim to
her good will and confidence. and the
knowledge delighted me. although she
would not know what l had done. The
fact that it would be my secret added to
my pleasure. indeed, and l was glad that
l had ordered Pepita not to say that it
was l myself who had gone to the main
land, nor to let fall hint of the risk
had run.
/ found Breva at his post. and he had
more to tell me about the anger of Giu-
seppe and the rest against me. He con-
firmed all that Molta had said about their
belief that l had gone to betray them,
and repeated some ugly threats which
had been uttered
Giuseppe is hot against YOU" he said.
Il think he knows why you went, but
sees how to use the thing to accuse you
of treachery."
HE has begun to work already. l have
heard of it through Molta.'
He has set Agapa to inflame her jeal-
ousy against Masita. l overheard them
together, planning the tale she should
tell
Let them plan. go my own way"
said l was. in fact. as indifferent as my
reply suggested
Il believe they have been planning
some scheme against Masita." he added
LET them PLAN 1 said. again with
shrug: but thought occurred to me and
decided to have a good look round the
old fort.
The building stood as I have before
described. at the edge of a steep bluff on
the crown of some rising ground, about
fifty feet higher than the rest of the
island, and right on the edge of a bluff,
with sheer descent to the beach some
two or three hundred feet below The
approach from the island side was by
short winding path cut between the rocks.
1t was at turn in this path. about half
way between the mouth and the fort, at
spot which commanded the approach,
that Breva stood by day and by night.
But l wished now to assure myself that
no one could get into the place from the
other side.
1 made a very careful observation. and
seeing that it was possible for skillful
sure-footed climber to get partly round,
deemed it best to make the attempt there
and then. With great effort and at the
fed myself that while the thing was pos
sible in the daylight. no one who did not
court an almost certain death would at
tempt it in the dark.
Not caring to risk a return trip looked
about for a means of gaining an en-
trance into the building by one of the
upper windows. There was a ledge of
rock which served for this purpose. and
scaling 1t without difficulty. / found my
self on a level with the windows of the
upper story.
The window nearest to me was that of
Masita's sitting room. and as / peered in
l saw her and Pepita engaged in very
earnest talk Masta. whose back was to-
ward the window, held her brothers note
in her hand and was listening eagerly to
what her companion was saying.
My face was not at the window more
than a second or two. but, as ill luck
would have it. Pepita saw me and her
start and cry of establishment drew Ma
sita's attention to me before l could ma Ike
sure enough of my footing to move off,
l made my way to the farthest window
and gained an entrance through it into
the building. That my action would be
misinterpreted was certain. Masita
would think that I had been spying upon
her. and would laugh to scorn the ex-
PLANTATION that l had merely been endeav-
oring to assure myself of her safety.
And 30 it proved. Pepita had hurried
away at my appearance and met me close
to the door of Masita's room She was
very confused and, as she bade me good
morning, stammered out nervously some
thing about having been trying to cheer
Masita.
why are you SO confused. Pepita?"
asked. 81 have not forbidden you to
speak to Masita.''
mo. ] know that. But-you appeared
$3.50 suddenly at the window, Beppo
You-you startled me So"
'"Did Nasita see me?''
"Of course. 1 was silly and cried out
l am sorry. / didn't know that any one
could there and-and-" She broke
off with nervous little laugh.
1T is of no consequence. l came round
by the cliff to make sure that no one
could get that way at an awkward
time"
"You-you came by the cliff" she cried
her eyes widening. 'Why. you risked
your life. Don't you remember Gia-
como's falling to his death there. some
three months ago. when he had wagered
with Ahmet that he could do it?'
Il am not dead. anyway. | replied
with a smile Now tell me-you gave
the packet and the letter to Masita?''
Yes. Yes, oh, yes, she said with
return OF her nervousness.
And said nothing as TO who fetched
them?"
Listen" she cried. putting up her
hand. 'is that Breva calling?"
Go and See" l told her, and she hur-
ried off.
l went to Masitas room. and in my
character as gaoler opened the door with
out any preliminary knock. and glanced
round as il to assure myself that all was
well.
She was bending over the packet ! had
brought from her house. and her brother s
letter lay open on the table beside 1t. She
looked up at my entrance and waited for
me to speak l was drawing back to
leave again, when she stopped me.
why do you come here? she asked,
sharply.
.'It is a gaoler's duty to see that all is
we'll with his charge"
Are you gaoler now or-Spy?"
The pause before the word and the
angry glance emphasized it. "Gaoler," l
said. bluntly.
You could have satisfied yourself by
the window. surely" She spoke coldly
and contemporary. but changed sud
denly, and added. with great vehemence:
Did Beltano order you to spy on your
prisoner? Or Is that an added insult born
of your own cunning?"
THE child rather of discretion than
cunning" replied. slowly.
Discretion" she exclaimed. with
scornful laugh. 1T is not enough. I sup
pose. that I am kept a prisoner and sub
jected to all the indignities of this place,
but you must act the spy upon me also,
watch my actions even when I am alone