The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1912-09-26

"A few days later came the meet
Ing. Gennaro returned from it with q
face which told me that something
dreadful had occurred. X was worse
than We could have imagined possible.
The funds of the society were raised
by Matchmaking rich Italians and
threatening them with violence should
they refuse the money. 1t seems that
Castalotte, our dear friend and bene-
factor, had been approached. He had
refused to yield 10 threats, and he
had handed the notices 10 the police.
1t was resolved now that such an ex-
ample should be made Of him as
would prevent any other victim from
rebclling. AT the meeting it was ar
ranged that he and his house should
be blown up with dynamite. There
was a drawing OF lots as to who
should carry out the deed. Gennaro
saw our ercmy's cruel face smiling at
him as he dipped his hand in the bag.
No doubt it had been prearranged in
some fashion, for it was the fatal disc
with the Red Circle upon IT. the man.
date for murder, which lay upon his
palm. He was to kill his best friend,
or he was to expose himself and mo
to the vengeance OF his comrades. 1t
was part of their fiendish system to
punish those whom they feared OF
hated by injuring not only "~ir owp
persons, but those whom they loved,
and it was the knowledge OF this
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Gennaro's head and drove him nearly
crazy with apprehension.
All that night We sat together, u
arms round each other, each strength
ening each for the troubles that lay
before us. The very e evening had
been fixed for the attempt. By mid
day my husband and l were on u
way to London, but not before he had
given our benefactor full warning or
his danger, and had also left such in
formation for the police as would safe
guard his life for the future.
"The rest, gentlemen, you know for
yourselves. We were sure that our
enemies would be behind us like our
" "os IVA 49, HS 30
vate reasons for vengeance, but in
any case we knew how ruthless, cum
ming, and untiring he could be. Both
Italy and America are full OF stories
Of his dreadful powers. If ever they
were eXerted it would be now My
darling made use Of the few clear
days which our start had given us in
arranging for a refuge for me in such
a fashion that no possible danger
could reach me. For his own part.
he wished TO be free that he might
communicate both with the American
and with the Italian police. / do not
myself know where he lived, or how.
All that ! learned was through the
columns Of a newspaper. But once, as
| looked through my window, | saw
two Italians watching the house, and
/ understood that in some way Gorgi-
ano had found out our retreat. Final
ly Gennaro told me. through the pa
per that he would signal to me from
q certain window. but when the sig
nails came they were nothing but
warnings, which were suddenly inter
rupted. 1t is very clear to me now
that he knew Gorgiano to be close up
on him, and that, thank God! he was
ready for him when he came. And
now, gentlemen, / would ask you
whether we have anything to fear
from the law, or whether any judge
upon earth would condemn my Cen
naro for what he has done?"
well, Mr.. Gregson," said the Amer
lean, looking across at the official. Il
don't know what your British point OF
view may be, but | guess that in New
York this lady's husband will receive
a pretty general vote Of thanks"
"She will have to come with me and
see the chief" Gregson answered. IF
what she says Is corroborated, ! do
not think she or her husband has
much to fear. But what | can't make
head or tail of, Mr.. Holmes, is how on
earth you got yourself mixed up in the
matter"
Education, Gregson, education.
Still seeking knowledge at the old uni
versity. Well, Watson, you have one
more specimen Of the tragic and gro
tesque to add to your collection. BY
the way, it is eight o'clock, and a
Wagner night at Covent Garden. II
we hurry, we might be in time for the
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