The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-24
hE WAS so FRIGHTENED AE GAVE Up AlLAl| kr1sr


 seraphina's brother, and 1t was the count,
 a most powerful grandee, who had set
 the police of Spain on the track of his
 slayer.
 So soon as the rescued ones were in safely Don Alfonso rode away again with
 his companions, and now he and Gil Bias
 were to discover that they who touch pitch must expect to be defiled The two rogues had heard of a good opportunity in nearby town. They bought garments that enabled them to present the gloomy and alarming appearance of members of
 the Inquisition, and thus attired entered
 the town solemny. They left Don AL fonso outside of the gates to guard their
 horses, and repaired to the house of rich merchant, who had abundant reasons
 to fear investigation from the Inquisition
 or any other authority.
 He was so frightened that he gave up all of his keys to one of the rogues, who
 declared himself to be the Chief Com missioner of the Inquisition. Then Gil Bias and the other took him into room
 and questioned him in a terrifying man.
 ner until their accomplice had sealed all
 the merchants belongings with the ter
 rible seal of the feared tribunal !
 When they left the house they hurried out of the town as fast as they could go, for the seals were all that they had left
 behind. The nimble fingers of the Chief
 Commissioner had emptied every treasure
 chest When they counted their plunder in the woods where they stopped after
 their flight they found that the trick had
 brought them 5000 ducats.
 Don Alfonso and Gil Bias were con-
 science stricken, and decided to leave the
 rascals at once. Unfortunately they were penniless and could not afford to allow their principles to forbid them from taking their share of the ducats. AsNDon AL fonso said with a sigh: "Even iron bends l under necessity However, he proposed
 to take service under Venice. and as soon as he gained enough booty in honorable war he was determined to return the ill- gotten wealth to the plundered merchant. But Don Alfonso did not need to go to
 war. Before he and Gil Bias had reached
 the boundaries of Spain the news reached
 them that the Count of Poldan had par
 doned him and would give him his daugh- I ter as wife in gratitude for his rescue. | Don Alfonso did not wait to be told
 twice He returned fast as his horse
 could carry him. and forced Gil Bias to go with him. No time was lost in cele- l bratng the wedding and when Don AL l fonso took possession of the beautiful i country seat that he won with his bride 1 he made Gil Bias his steward.
 | The first mission of the new steward was to carry 5000 ducats to the despoied i merchant Gil Bias could not help think ! ing that it would be a brilliant beginning !; of his career as steward if he were to | keep the money himself, since none ever l could find it out. But he overcame the i, thought and in his subsequent career re-
 maned similarly honest, not even black
 mailing the servants or the tradespeople.
 In short he was a true miracle of steward
 Fate was not content, however, to let Gil Bias find peace so soon. Seraphinas old nurse fell in love with him. despite her age. He did not like her. and did not know that to despise an offer of affection | is to commit a crime that women never | forgive. The disappointed old creature made it so hot for him that he left his lucrative post despite the efforts of Don