Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-12
CHAPTER xxx.
Greek Cunning.

Molta had outwitted us cleverly The
loss Of the boat meant checkmate to ouI
plan of escape, for 1t was the only one
on the island. and the knocking smile with
which she stood gloating over my dis
comfiture at the success Of her cunning
showed that she quite appreciated the
disastrous effect to us.
But Masita's thoughts were less for
herself than for her brother. do you
know what has happened?" she said
turning to Molta. MY brother is out
there in danger of his life
Ibid 1 bring him here or send him
away again? What is 1t to me?'
''send to his help and I will remain
here. your prisoner, until Beltano re-
turing pledge my oath to that" urged
Masita.
How can I send when there is nc
boat?"
But you have taken II away. You
know where it Is. If you have a woman
heart in your bosom you will send and
save him.
1.-The boat lies sunk at the mouth Of the
cove there, and Of all the swimmers on
the island only Breva could hope to face
such sea as that. and IL he will risk for
such creature as Julius, let him. II
your brother Is drowned. blame Beppo
He declared that he would take you
boat. What else could I dor'
1t was like her to put the blame on me
and so prejudice me in Masita's eyes
Can really nothing be done?" asked
Masita. piteously. turning to me. as
there no other boat to be got?''
mot one on the island" l replied
shaking my head.
Gould not something be done TO raise
this one?'
You might dive for it. Beppo." sneered
Molta. THE water there Is not more
than twenty or thirty feet deep"
let the sneer pass. II do not think
there is such danger for Julius as you
fear" said to Masita.
But the wind and that sea- she
cried
His boat would ride out far heavier
sea than this. and If he has the sense to
return here. instead of making for the
mainland. he will reach the shore safely"
II will get Agapa to watch for him. :"
put in Molta. Ellis love for her may
Her gibes had no effect upon Masita.
whose thoughts were conferred upon her
brothers danger. do you think 1t pos
sible that Breva could swim out? If he
would save Julius I would make him
rich for life," she said. drawing me aside.
Again I shook my head as 1 looked
across the fast rising sea. Il doubt it,
but we will find him. He is a very
powerful swimmer. and has before now
swum to the mainland and back"
What are you going to do?" asked
Molta. as we were passing her. You
must return with me to the house,
Masita's reply was a glance Of con-
tempt which brought the blood in a flush
Of rage to Molta's white face.
found Breva outside his hut talking to
Pepita and explained what Masita
wished, adding enough to show him that
I was as eager for the boat to be brought
to the island as Masita was for her
brothers safety. His prowess as SWIM
that he had ample courage even for such
q desperate venture as this. But he shook
his head doubtfully.
1.-The tide will turn In less than an hour.
Beppo and then should be powerless
against it,
but the boat means everything to
Beppo. Breva," said Pepita, urging him.
He looked questioningly at me and then
drew me aside. 1T is all but hopeless,
but II were to try it and succeed?"
The signorina will give you any sum
1T is not that he replied. quickly.
but II I brought the boat back what
use would you make Of it? Would you
take Giuseppe to give him up?''
Bring the boat and you yourself shall
set Giuseppe free" I declared, readily.
Then I'll CO." he said. but don't count
too much on the chance of my succeed
ing" and he went into his hut to make
ready.
Five minutes later he had entered the
water, and We stood and watched him
as he struck out with long. powerful
strokes until he passed the mouth of the
cove, when he swan chiefly under the
water. to avoid the hampering resistance
OF the waves.
Wa foIlouyed HE co,,.eo ,,~s.u.,,x n.
sita expressed profound surprise and adj