Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-29
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Escape.

For moment after catching sight of
Reltano 7 stood like a fool at a loss
what to do. If he saw Masta coming out
Of the path from the fortress he would
certainly stop and question her in the be-
lief that it was Breva. while the mere
sight of him would probably scare her
wits out Of her.
Like flash I saw the only possible
thing to do. He should not stop her On
that I was firmly, resolved. If had to
shoot him on the spot. But there was
another plan. and although IT involved
to put it in operation
asked. sharply.
Looking for you. Beltano. I can't en-
dure this any longer. All day it has been
like plague on me-"
Cant endure WHAT"
We have been friends too long to quar-.
rel over woman. / am sorry l crossed
YOU in the matter of Beracci. I admit
acted of intent. 1t was more my work
than Agapa's. But I can't lose your
friendship and l thrust out my hand
with an impulsive gesture.
His face lightened and he gave me his
hand. and just as we gripped Masita
came hurrying in our direction and see
ing Beltano with me. stopped in alarm
and put her hand to her heart.
This is good news. Beppo. You are
right. We are too old friends to quarrel
over woman
Il think that blow must have made a
fool of me- | said
And Molta?" he asked
II was coming to you both" I replied
Come back with me to her now and heir
me make peace i have been a fool but
see my folly. II is not too late?'
"Hullo. what is Breva doing?" he broke
In. catching sight of Masita who. after
made detour and was passing at suffl-
cient distance to mislead him in the dim
ming light.
DO you mean it Is too late?" I cried
earnestly. grabbing him by the arm and
peering anxiously into his face rs that
why you break off so?"
This had the desired effect He turned
from Masfta directly and smiled NO
no. was | ever one to reject such an
overture? | am glad to be friendly
again"
Then let us go to Molta" and in this
way got him To turn back
Masita. seeing us walk off together. was
utterly at loss what TO do and where to
go and l began to fear that after all she
would 90 something which would betr
our plan. When We were some haIfwa
70 the farmstead ] stopped abruptly. al
am shamefaced. Beltano tried to snea
10 Molta today and she avoided me. Go
you first TO her and prepare her for m,
coming. i cannot humble myself to her.
1t is not my nature. and if l come upon
her unprepared she may say that which
Will rouse my anger and so spoil all"
She loves you too we'll. Beppo Have
no fear of that"
NO. no Go first. Women are not like
men in these matters and harder to win
round
He had no suspicion Of my good faith
and laughed She will fall into your
arms. man. Her heart has been heavy
these DAYS past
But | was stubborn. and in his new.
horn desire to please me. he yielded tc
my wish and hurried on to the farm.
stead.
AS soon as his back was turned I saun
tered across To Masita and as he passed
out of sight I rushed her down TO the
beach.
Cnearthing the gear / had hidden the
and helping Masita In In silence I bads
her lie down out of sight as cast of ant
piled the oars with might and main
making straight out to sea
could afford to run the risk of dis
covery. for there was no other boat or
the island The priest had gone off IL
mine. and Ahmet had taken the secont
when dispatched for Beraccfs substitute
l had row me five hundred yard.
or so and was setting the sail when 4
shout from the island proclaimed thai
some one had seen us. and ] saw two OIL
three of the men run down to the Iandins
stage.
told Masita not 10 show herself ant
when | had the sail hoisted ! laid q
course well TO the north TO avoid the risl
of meeting Ahmet on his return w,
slipped through the water at goot
speed, and the island bluffs began I,
grow indistinct before | deemed IL pru
dent for Masta to move.
She sat long time In silence and OBJ