Evening star., 1909-05-09

was always sent to Rome for the special use of
the Pope and his Cardinals. That made the
people proud, and the devil took possession of
them, which greatly grieved plous hermit who
dwelt in cell in the little Val Malgina. by the
side of torrent that flows into the AIDA. So
one day he asked the good Lord to permit the
devil to visit him; but when Satan appeared
the saint laughed at him. lou' he cried.
Who sent for your You not the Prince of
the Internal Regions Am | not?' said the
stranger, with truly fiendish grin Just try
my powers, and see what will happenl-'Very
well, said the saint produce me twenty bar
rels of better wine than can be grown in Som
drio.' So old Barbariccia stamped his hoof,
and 10! there were the twenty barrels, while the
mere scent of them nearly made the saint break
that he would never again taste fer
mented wine. But he held fast, and said,
Now drink the lot oh, nonsense!' roared
much of devil if you can't do in a moment
what the College of Cardinals can do in a
week That annoyed Satan, and he put
away barrel after barrel, until the saint began
to feel very uneasy. But the last barrel fin-
ished him. and down he went like log, where
upon the holy man put him into one Of his own
tubs, and sent him to Rome to be dealt with
properly. There was tremendous row, it is
said, when the cask was opened. In the con-
fusion. Satan escaped but in revenge for the
blight on the vines of the AIDA and from that
day to this never liter of decent wine came out
Of Sondrio
T GUESS if that occurred anywhere in Italy
nowadays, they'd lynch the hermit, SAID a
voice in English outside.
Helen screamed and the two Italians were
startled. No one was expected at the hut at
that hour. It's earliest visitors should come
from the inner range, after long tramp from
Italy or Pontresina.
Sorry if scared you" said Spenser, his tall
figure suddenly darkening the doorway; but
didn't like to interrupt the story.
Helen sprang to her feet. Her cheeks,
blanched for few seconds became rosy red.
"Youi" she cried How dare you follow me
here?"
In the rapidly growing light she caught
transitory gleam in the Americans eyes,
though his face was as impassive as usual.
And the worst of it was that it suggested hurnor,
not resentment. Even in the tunult OF wound
ed pride that took her heart by storm, she
realized that her fiery vehemence had gone
perilously near to literal translation Of the
sanity scoff at old Barbarccia. And now, if
ever She must be dignifed! Anger yielded to
disdain In an instant she grew colder and self
collected.
Il regret that in my surprise | spoke un-
guardedly," she said "Of course this hut IN
open to everyone
Judging by the look of things between here
and the hotel. we shall not be worried by a
crowd" broke in Spenser Il meant to
arrive half an hour earlier; but that slope on
the Alp Ota offers surprising difficulties in the
dark .
Il wished to say, when you interrupted me.
that was leaving at once; SO my presence can
make little difference to you" said Helen
grandly.
That sounds more reasonable than it really
is" was the quietly fppant reply.
1T conveys my intent. / have no desire to
prolong this conversation! she cried rather
more furriedly.
Now, there l agree with you. We have
started on the wrong set of rails. 1t IS my
fault ought to have coughed, or fallen down
the moran or done any old thing sooner than
butt into the talk SO unexpectedly. 1t you will
allow me, I'll begin again right now.
He turned to the Italians, who were watching
and listening in curious silence, trying to pick
UP an odd word that would help explain the
relations between the two. will you gentle
men take an interest in the scenery for five
minutes?" he asked, with smile.
THOUGH the valley of the AIDA may have
lost its wine, it will never lose its love of
romance The polite Italians raised their hats
and went out. Helen, drawing {. long breath,
withdrew somewhat into the shadow. She felt
that she would have more command over her
self if the American could not see her face.
The ruse did not avail her at all. Spenser
crossed the floor of the hut until he looked into
her eyes.
Helen" he said, why did you run away
from me?"
The tender reproach in his voice almost
paryad her- h,,f che answered SirnpIv "What