The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1911-10-06
cAAPrER XVI.
letters From jail.

For two weeks SignOr Pietro Petro-
Einni, known to the Secret Service as
an unaccredited agent Of the Italian
government, and the self-confessed as
sailant Of Senior Alvarez Of the Next
can legation, had been taking his ease
In cell. He had been formally ar
raigned and committed without bail
to await the result Of the bullet wound
which had been inflicted upon the dip
lomatist from Mexico at the German,
Embassy Ball, and, since then. undis-
eurbed and apparently careless Of the
outcome. he had spent his time in
reading and smoking. He had an
swered questions with only 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 a question Of the jailer
who brought his simple meals.
How is Senior Alvarez"
HE is still In critical condition"
The answer was. always the same.
Whereupon the secret agent would
return to his reading with not q
shadow Of uneasiness or concern on
his face.
Occasionally there came courteous
little note from Miss Thorne, which he
read without emotion. afterward cast
Ing them aside or tearing them I'D.
He never answered them. And then
one day there came another note
which, for no apparent reason. seemed
to stir him from his lethargy. Out
wardly 1t was like all the others, but
when Senior Petrozinni scanned the
sheet his eyes lighted strangely, and
be stood staring down at 1t as though
to hide sudden change of expression
In his face. His gaze was concen-
trated on two small splotches of ink
where. It seemed, the pen had
scratched as Miss Thorne had signed
her name.
The guard stood at the barred door
for q moment. then started to turn
away. The prisoner stopped him with
quick gesture.
"Ch. Guard. may have a glass OF
milk. please?" he asked. mo Ice. !
prefer 1t tepid."
He thrust small coin between the
bars; the guard accepted it and passed
on. Then. still standing at the door.
the prisoner read the note again:
my Deer Friend:
Il understand. from an indirect
source. that there has been a marked
Improvement In Senior Alvarez's con-
dition. and I am Fastening to send you
the good news. There is every hope
that within short while, If he con-
tinues to improve. we can arrange a
bail bond. and you viii be free until
the time Of trial. anyway.
Might 1t 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 tiny table in corner of his
cell. and resumed his reading. After
q time the guard returned with the
milk.
Would 1t be against the rules for
me to write an answer to this?"
Queried Signor Petrozinni. and he in
dicated the note.
Certainly not" was the reply.
IF ! might trouble you. then. for
pen and ink and paper?" suggested
the signor and he smiled little. BE
lieye me, would prefer to get them
for myself"
Il guess that's right" the guard
grinned good-naturedly.
Again he went away and the pris-
oner sat thoughtfully slipping the milk.
He took half Of II, then lighted a Gig.
arctic. puifed II once or twice and per
mitted the light to die. After q little