Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1909-09-01

was conscious Of something which was
a most novel contrast to anything he
had yet come across in the world. II
was nothing but summary OF facts
which Carlo gave him, but Lionbruno
was artist enough TO have quick eye
for beauty. adm capability of read
ing between the lines, as it were,
while the mingled openness and re
serve OF the story, the lack OF self
consciousness, yet the innate modesty
of the speaker, forced, him TO perceive
a new idea.
His own words returned to him-'If
it were true, men would be diving on
crosses themselves" Then he Looked
from the carved crucifix to the face o.
the prisoner, and again back to the
crucifix. After all. was 1t something
more than a fable? Deep down in his
heart there wakened new, uncom-
Portable, unwelcome conviction, which
he did his best to smother. because he
saw that it would work havoc in his
life, and Lionbruno in this respect was
as lazy and conservative as most peo-
pie revolution in society was what
he longed for, but a revolution in his
own heart and life could not be toler-
ated the bare idea made hin feel as
uncomfortable and perturbed as a
wealthy landowner WAC thinks with
dread of possible reform of the land
laws.
All the next day he was markedly
civil to his prisoner. He even sacri-
feed himself so far as to remain in
the dreary little cell. instead of insist
ing as before, on spending the time
with the rest of the gang Carlo
spoke little, for grief and suspense and
the long-continued sleeplessness had
brought him almost to the last stage
of exhaustion, but what few words he
did say were courteous and pleasant,
and in a tone not otherwise than
cheerful Lionbruno began to think
more and more distastefully of the
scene that would be enacted that even
ing, and, as the time drew near, he
could bear it no longer, but summon
ing one of the elder men TO keep
guard in his place, sought out the
chief and begged to speak alone with
him.
Brancaleone led the way from the
gloomy underground retreat TO the
open air. Already it was dark, but
here and there through the thick foil
age were little spaces through which
stars cleaned down coldly Lion
bruno gave a gasp of relief as he
found himself once more above
ground, for the atmosphere down be
low was not a little trying to one ac.
customed to an outdoor life.
Padre mio," he said boldly,
should the red flag be sent tonight?
Why should you not keep the prisoner
longer and make money out of him?
He has rich friends, he is a popular
singer, thousands would be interested
in his tate we could extort an enor
nous ransom"
rs that all you have to say?" said
BrancaIeone. with scorn. did you
ever know me 10 go back from my
word? If Generic is true to his bar
gain. do you think shall play him
false?"
AT least have some right to speak
for the prisoner, since was the one
who took him" said Lionbrunc, with
! deep resentment in his voice
mo right whatever said tie chief,
coldly; you are merely onr of my
hands; your duty is to o3ey orders,
not 70 think"
Il tell you, said Lionbruno with
an angry gesture. IF you kill him You
viii regret it some day man IKE
that can't he murdered lightly
What do you know about him.
said the chief, tauntingly.
Il know that he is the only true
4 man | have ever seen, While we are
brutes-worse than brutesi" said
lTionhrnno, with passionate vehemence.
| Brancaleone suddenly turned upon
him and grasped him by the shoulder
Say another WORD and you yourself
shall be the one & tat his throat" he
said. in a voice TIA was none the less
furious because low and restrained.
With a heavy heart Lionbruno fol-
lowed the chief back into the secret
retreat, returning an impatient oath to
the teasing inquiries of the other men,
while he lighted his torch at the fire
before making his way through the
catacomb,
Bring the prisoner in at once, "
said the chief, cycling his son dis.
! trustfully.
Releasing Nicolo from his post in
? the cell l-ionbruno. still bearing the
E torch, came close 10 the pile OF shay.
ings and bent down over the prisoner.
!. Il have tried TO say you. he muir
/. INJURED but it was all in vain When
1 took you prisoner / did not know
! what | know now Give me your par
{ don. sienor. / would gladly undo the
: past were that possible"
] Carlo grasped his hand.
Undo II by breaking with it and
t starting afresh, he said. And ,ook-A
e will YOU do one thing for me-"
5 Lionbrmo made a gesture of assent.
e See today while you slept ! wrote
g this letter; II necessary you can read
D il. there is not a line in ii that can
, / L.. \.