The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1911-08-31
CHAPTER XVI.
Lottera From jail.

FOR Two weeks SlSnor retro retro
xinni, known to the Secret Service as
an unaccredited agent OF the Italian
government, and the self-confessed as
sailant Of Senior Alvarez OF the Mexi-
can legation. had been taking his ease
IN q cell. He had been formally ar.
TO await the result of the bullet wound
which had been inflicted upon the dip
1pmatist from Mexico at the German
Embassy Ball. and. since then, undis-
turbed and apparently careless of the
outcome. he had spent his time in
reading and smoking. He had an
swered questions with only a curt yes
or no when he deigned to answer
them at all: and there had been no
callers or inquiries for him. He had
abruptly declined suggestion of
counsel
Twice each day, morning and night,
he had asked question OF the jailer
who brought his simple meals
How is Senior Alvarez"
HE In still in a critical condition"
The answer was always the same.
Whereupon the secret agent would
return TO his reading with not
shadow of uneasiness or concern on
his face.
Occasionally there came a courteous
. little note from Miss Thorne. which he
read without emotion. afterward cast
Ing them aside or tearing them up
He never answered them. And then
one day there came another note
which, for no apparent reason, seemed
20 stir him from his lethargy. Out
wardly II was like all the others, but
when Senior Petrozinni scanned the
sheet his eyes lighted strangely. and
he stood staring down at 1t as though
to hide sudden change OF expression
I'm his face. His gaze was concen
trated on two small splotches of ink
where. II seemed. the pen had
scratched as Miss Thorne had signed
her name.
The guard stood at the barred door
for moment, then started to turn
away. The prisoner stopped him with
quick gesture.
"Oh. Guard. may I have a glass OF
milk. please?" he asked. mo ice.
prefer IL tepid."
He thrust small coin between the
bars; the guard accepted 1t and passed
on. Then, still standing at the door.
the prisoner read the note again:
MY Dear Friend:
Il understand. from an indirect
source. that there has been a marked
improvement in Senior Alvarez's con-
dition. and ! am Fastening to send you
the good news. There Is every hope
that within a short while, II he con
tinues TO improve. we can arrange q
bail baud. and you will be free until
the time of trial. anyway.
Might II not be well for you TO
consult an attorney at once? Drop me
line to let me know you received
this. Sincerely,
ISABEL. THORNE."
Finally the prisoner tossed the note
on a tiny table In a corner OF his
cell, and resumed his reading After
a time. the guard returned with the
milk
Would It be against the rules for
me TO write an answer 10 this2''
queried Signor Petrozinni. and he in.
dicated the note.
Certainly not" was the reply.
eff ! might trouble you. then. for
pen and ink and paper?" suggested
the signor and he smiled little. BE.
ueve me. would prefer to get than
for myself"
Il guess that's dght." the guard
krinned good-naturedly.
Again he went away and the pris
oner sat thoughtfully slipping the milk
Hs took half Of II. then lighted Gig
arctic. pulled n once or twice and per
Aitted Lhn UGH 10 die After little