Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-10-22

ed to be u pointed stick held by fist
The mind works quickly IN the pres
cnce OF danger. real or fancied. and 10
fraction Of second he had deter
mined that man was behind him
with his right hand raised and holding
a dagger.
"SenoraT' cried the American sharp
ly. calling 20 the woman who had
served the wine.
The shadow nickcred and disap-
pcarcd.
There was no reply TO the summons.
and the young man called again:
"Senornr'
Presently the woman. yawning.
came slowly into the room.
II find myself. sonora" said Wilcox.
with not even money enough about
me to pay you for the wine have or
dcred. Have you any one here who
will go up to my hotel with check.
get II cashed by the landlord and bring
me the money!
for the wine when you como for
more"
"No. sonora; go away early in the
morning to Naples. Besides. there are
other payments wish 10 make down
here among you good people. | In
tended to bring money, but forgot It."
VERY well. senior. IL you desire It
will send my son. He Is in bed. but
can awaken him"
Wilcox took blank check from his
portmanteau and filed a check for
600 Ira (S100l and wrote on the back
Of 1t request to the landlord Of his
hotel 10 send him the money II called
for by bearer. Then he gave 1t to
the landady. and. ordering another
litre of wine and lighting cigarette.
he made II appear that he would await
the return Of his messenger.
But he had no idea OF waiting for
the money. He knew the man who
was about TO kill him when he awoke
from slumber would waylay tho boy
who had gone for It, Possibly others
who knew OF the fact that 800 Ira
was to be carried at midnight from
the town down 10 the fishers village
would also make nm attempt TO APP
propriate II. There was still another
possibility. The landlord might sur
mise that his guest had been cornered
and required the money for ransom.
In this event he might have the mes
senger Swallowed on his return by a
policeman.
Wilcox realized the fact that be was
at the fishers village near ~ o'clock at
night where II was as dangerous to
remain as 10 climb to the top Of the
cliff. lie kept his eye ON the wall for
awhile, but. seeing no temperance Of
the shadow. finally arose from his chair
and paced the floor. casting glances at
the entrances OF the room. Presently
he walked out the door through which
the landlady had gone and made his
way into n Kitchen. There. among 9th
cr things. lay carving knife with a
long. thin blade and sharp point. He
grasped II and for the first time since
he had seen the shadow drew breath
of relief. So far as he knew, no one
saw him take the knife. and. conceal.
ing 1t under his coat. he went back
into the room he had left.
Wilcox was uncertain what TO do.
Should he remain where he was till
day. or should he risk going up to the
town with no other defense than
carving knife? II beset. II might be
by several persons. IL he remained
where he was. In case of attack he
might put his back against corner
Of the room and stand or a number
of ASSISTANTS. Every vestlge Of reck-
lessness had deserted him. He was
mad. fighting mad. but In that state
est He resolved TO stay where he
was
Sufficient time for messenger TO 60
10 the hotel and return had elapsed.
Wilcox had no idea that the messen-
ger would come back or. II he did
come. that he would have the money
with him. He was not thinking OF his
800 Ira. which he would be glad TO
pay for his life He was wondering II
the man whose shadow he had seen
or some one else had appropriated 1t.
This occupied his thoughts when sud
denly the outer door was opened and
In stepped two persons
They We're a boy Of fourteen and
MarIe
Marie. approaching Wilcox. handed
him an envelope containing the money
he had sent for. He looked at her.
plainly asking with his eyes an ex-
PLANTATION.
II knew. signor." said Marie. that
there is one who since yon first spoke
TO me is Jealous OF you. ! found TO-
night that he would attack you aud
watched the place. saw him come
IN here and followed him. heard you
call for messenger 10 20 for money.
did not believe Giovanni would rob.
but l thought II best to 30 with the
boy. Giovanni disappointed me. He
waylaid us and demanded the money.
but when he knew had II he upbraid.
cd me and went away"