Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-05

thoughts OF her consideration.
with the vague idea of getting her out
of the house I hurried her and Blanca
into the room in which the meal mad
been prepared, and it was still on the
table 1 remembered that there was
second door leading to some other part
of the house.
asked her quickly whether there were
means OF escape by it. and she told me
it led by a second staircase TO the
kitchens and to side entrance
The door was curtained ana was
hurrying toward it. when a better plan
suggested itself-to let the men believe
that Masita was still in the room. leave
them TO force their way IN. ana then holu
them in check while Masita MADE her
escape from The house.
but they are not seeking me-" she
objected, when ] told her. 1T is YOU
They will not dare to attack me IN my
own house"
ut is BeItane. I am certain. and he
would not look for me here.
AS she still kesitated the door was
tried, and then some one knocked loudly
and called "Sisnorina! SignorinaI
cit is Drako's voice." ] whispered. An
swer.< that. they may know you are
here"
.'Who is, IT," she called.
1--WE come to help YOU
ASK again who it is. L whispered
started In alarm. go close to the door,
and then reply that you don't recognize
the voice"
She went to the door. who is it,"
A pause followed and then Drako salu:
1.-THE carabinieri."
II don't recognize the voice replied
Masita And do not need help.
Now go and leave the rest TO me-, l
whispered.
Blanca was already at the other door.
trembling in fear. Come, excellency.
she urged. What he says is right"
'"You must come, too said Masita to
me.
ITO the police?' 1 exclaimed in Eng
fish, that Blanca should not understand.
60 at once for heavens sake. 1 will
keep them, from following. and can re-
turn to the island with them much more
safely than If had to go alone
Come, excellency," urged Blanca
again.
Masita still hes,tated. 1T will soon be
too late" 1 whispered. as the knocks and
calls We're repeated impatiently. do not
return without enough men to protect the
house."
but that will betray you ALSO" she
cried, in perplexity.
II will get these men away before you
return. and go with them"
She gave me last glance and. throw
ing up her hands. went out with Blanca
AS soon as I was alone l thrust chair
against the door, as if intending to bar
lead them to believe that Masita was still
in the room and had taken alarm.
This had the effect desired. Some one
flung himself against the door. seeking
to break it in. 1t was stout enough to
resist the attempt. and lit a couple more
lamps and waited. close to the curtatEed
door, while they forced their way in.
Drake was the first to enter, followed
by Ahmet, Luigi and another.
"Beppo!' they cried in establishment.
Yes Beppo," I answered with a laugh.
Didn't you recognize my voiceT
Where is the signorina?" asked Drake.
With movement of my foot. unseen
by them, made the curtain move. She
is not here" said, and glanced at the
curtain as If In some alarm
Drake at once took the bait. "She is
there" he declared, pointing to the cur
tain.
do you mean that I lie, Drako?"
II saw the curtain move" he replied.
Didn't you, Ahmet?'
II made it move, fool, and this time
kicked it openly.
He took this for a further ruse, just as
I wished. He was fool. as 1 knew. for
all his cunning. Thrust 1T aside alto
gether and show u.s. he said.
Come and do it yourself. Drake" and
l laughed with a suggestion Of I'M
pleasant consequences if he accepted the
invitation.
she is there" he growled. turning to
What is the meaning of this, Beppo?"
asked Ahmet.
That's exactly what want to know"
"Beltano sent us here to protect the
signorina."
You mean that is the message you
were to give her. How were you to do
it? By taking her back to the island?"
I'VE mean to give the message our
selves"
Well / tell you she isn't here, man.
You can wait for her. Have some sup
per in the meantime There's some ex-
cellent wine there"
Don't try and play with us In this
way" he said. angrily.
Look about the room for her. then. 1t
Is easily searched"
shes hidden behind that curtain" put
in Drake.
I'm answer that she is not hidden there
and you can look everywhere else. But
the man who tries to look there will
reckon with me first" and 1 put myself
directly in front of it.
I had to cause as much delay as pos
sible before letting them know that Ma
sta had escaped and gone for help, but
had also to gauge the time SO that we
should all be able to get away before her
return with the carabinierf.
My conduct baftied him. l knew Luigi
was friendly and that Ahmet. while set
upon obeying Beltano would hesitate be-
fore resorting to any extremes. Drake
was vicious, but afraid Of me, and the
fourth fellow l ignored. He would just
follow the lead OF the others.
I'VE don't want to have any trouble.
Beppo," said Ahmet, after pause.
Then don't make any. Let's talk 1T
over" and while keeping sharp watch
on them all. L rolled a cigarette and
lighted II.
I'VE have to obey Beltano's orders.
You know that
stop over there, Ahmet," / said. quick
ly. as he made a step in my direction.
We can talk just well. What are
his orders?'
''She has TO go back with us"
We'll she isn't going
Are you going to fight the lot Of US!
cried Drake. with snarl of a laugh.
l seized the chance OF wasting little
more time in making a personal quarrel
of his interruption. and for a minute or
more poured out a string of invectives
and threats goading him to reply, until
Ahmet interviewed and Isilenced him.
what are you going to do. Beppo?" he
asked, then.
What do you want me to do?"
stop this business and give up the sig
norma to us.
I'm not going to do anything of the
sort. Ahmet. I brought the signorina
away from the island and she is not go
ing back"
I'VE are going to take her back, and If
YOU make trouble the consequences will
be ugly for you
I'm take my chance of that. I've told
you she isn't here in this room, and l
don't believe she is anywhere in the
house. But, anyway, / took the risk of
getting her out OF Beltanos hands, and
I'm going to take the risk Of keeping