The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-04-13
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 (continued.) But there was no need and I only laughed at my needless precaution. Beitano was not there. No one, except Moita and Masita.
 With a half shamefaced air I pock- oted my weapon and looked from one to the other of them in questioning surprise.
 Masits sprang to her feet at my ent- rance and her look of alarm gave way to one of intense relief. I judged that she had been expecting Beltano. and that this was the cause of the change in her look. But I learned the real reason afterwards.
 For a few seconds neither of us spoke. Where Is Beitane?' asked at length.
 To my surprise the question discon-' lcerted Molta. She hesitated and then stammered out: "on the other side or the irlAnd. have sent for him."
 "on the other side of the islsndf" repeated. How can that be when he has scarcely iandedy'
 At that Masita looked at her in sur prise.
 T will go and fetch him." uaid Moita, hastily,
 NO indeed you won't. I intend him to be as much surprised to find me
 
 put myself between her and the door.
 DO you msan that BeItano has been away?" asked Masita.
 Did he not rsturn with your"
 No. Julius brought me. and he has gone again.
 "Julius!' exclaimed in profound as. tonishsnent and then the scales fell from my eyes. understood the mean A.. .R he reason for the clumsy handling of it. He was about as capable of sailing boat in dirty weather as puppy-dog. Bertano had not returned after all. and 1t had been for the boat with these two in it which had been mistaken for l his. With him still absent had noth- ing to fear, so I drew taway to let MoIta leave if she wished, "Beltano is not on the island. sig norina' I said.
 But Molta has told me that he is. ! and will come to me here" 50 he will" was the reply, sharply spoken.
 But how can he when he is not on | the island as" Masita hesitated now to refer to me. and finished the sent ence impersonally--"as is stated?"
 He will come. as I say" declared | Molta doggedly.
 | But not to find the signorina here, 1 if can help it. that is.' said firmly. Tell me. signorina, why have you ven- I tured here?"
 She. paused before replying. T had to come" | "I am at sea as to all this still. But for BeItano's absence. you would have been in the greatest danger. Why on earth then should you run such risk when there was not the least need"
 T had to come" she repeated, low erlng her eyes.
 | You have no right to force your | way here in this way. Beppo,% broke | in Molta angrlly. ''and if you don't go at once I shall call the men to protect | me-"
 l You are in no danger from me, Mol l ta. Why do you say that?" l Because I will not have you here. 1 Because do not feel safe in the pres ence of an assassin. BecSuse--ah, why should I stoop to give you my reasons1 1t Is enough that order you to go."
 What IS that anger intended to cov- CT? And why that term assassin, after what you told me only last night? But will go, of course; and if the signo- rina will consult her safety, she will not remain either"
 "She cannot go. She shall not, cried Molta furiously.
 Your anger blinds you to the facts, Molta. But you know as well as that now there is not one among the men who will dare to say shall not to me in Beltano's absence"
 we shall see" she replied and set her back to the door.
 I smiled. You are now preventing me from going. Molta. But as you will" and I sat down deliberately. "I am concerned only for the signorina' s safety; and dshe will not only leave this room when I please. but will also re- turn to the mainland"
 Molta stood by the door. her anger flushed face frowning hercely as she stared at me; but she was obviously at a loss what to do. She could not keep us prisoners indefinitely; and q few minutes more or less were of lit- tie importance to either Masita or me knew, too. that when her anger cooled she would see the absurdity of the position she had created.
 Why Masita should have been mad enough to come to the island alone in this way beat me; and her reply that she had tc come-threw no light on the matter. But she must not re- main. That was certain: and as her brother had been such a coward as tc run off the minute she landed. there was nothing for it but for me to take 1 her back to the mainland. The wind was rising very fast. anC 1.-the gusts which swept round tho fahouse showed that 1t would be a dirty