Evening star., 1912-09-03
CHAPTER II.
A Confession and q Promise.

Norvin Blake slept soundly, and not
withstanding the fact that he had re-
tired at a late hour, somewhat worn by
his journey, he awoke earlier than usual
He arose. and, fiinging back the blinds
Of his window, looked out upon scene
which set him to dressing eagerly.
The big front door of the hall below
was barred when he came down, and
only yielded to. his efforts with a clang
ing which would have awakened any one
except Martel, letting him out upon a
well kept terrace, beneath which the hills
fell away in majestic sweeps and curves
to the coast line far beneath
knowing that his luxurious host would
not be stirring for another hour, he set
out to explore the place at his leisure.
and in time came around to the stables
and outhouses. He made friends with a
surly, stiff-haired dog. then with a pa
triarchal old goat, which he found graz
ing atop a wall. and at last he encounter
ed Francesca. the cook, bearing a bundle
of fagots upon her heard.
She was in a bad temper, it appeared.
for in answer to his cheerful greeting
she began to revile the names of Ippolito
and Michele
Lazy pigs.' she cried. fiercely. rs it
not sufficient that old Francesca should
bare her bones and become a shadow
with the cares of the household? Is it
not sufficient that she performs the Ia
Dor of twenty in caring for the padrone?
No. Is it not the DEVILS task to prepare
the many outlandish delicacies he learn
ed to eat in his travels Yes. What of
that? She must also perform the duties
of an ass and bear wood for the fires!
And what think You those two young
giants are doing all the day? Sleeping.
si'or! Up all night. asleep all day! A
fine business. And Francesca with a
broken back"
I'll carry your wood" he offered. at
which the mountainous old woman stared
at him as if she did not in the least COM
prehend his words.
And the others." she went on May
they all be blinded-Attilio. Gaspare. Ro-
berto! The hangman will get them, sure
ly. Brigant, indeed She snorted like
a horse. May Belisario Cardi roast them
moved her head from side to side, while
the bundle swayed precariously. 1T is
a bad business. sior. The padrone is
mad to resist. You may tell him he is
no good will come of it. but he is like a
bull when he is angry He lowers his
head and sees blood. Veramente. it is a
bad business, and we shall all lose our
ears,' She moved off majestically, her
eyes rolling in her fat cheeks, her lips
moving.
Blake was still smiling at her anger
when Ippolito himself. astride a horse.
| came Gathering into the courtyard and
dismounted stiffly. giving him good
/ morning with wide yawn.
"Corpo di Bacco!" exclaimed the youth
Il shall sleep for century" He stretch
ed luxuriously. and. unslinging a gun
from his shoulder. leaned it against the
wall. Blake was surprised to find 1T
late model of an American repeating rife.
Francesca he called. loudly. Ma
donna, mia, / am famished.'
Francesca was here moment ago"
Norvin volunteered. In frightful tenn
per, too.
Just so. 1t was the wood, presume :
The speaker scowled .'One cannot be in
ten places unless he is in ten pieces l
am glad to be here, and not here and
/ there
We'll, she wants you roasted by some
fellow named Cardi-
"Eh. WHAT" Ippolito started, jerking
the horses head by the bride rein
through which he had thrust his arm
what is this?"
"BeliSariO Cardf, / believe she said.
don't know him..
| The Sicilian muttered an oath and dis
| appeared into the stable: he was still
scowling when he emerged.
Prompted by feeling that he was close
| to something mysterious, Blake tried to
sound the fellow.
You are abroad early he suggested
| But Ippolito seemed in no mood for
conversation and merely replied:
Isl, signore, quite early.
| He was lean Swarthy youth. square
| jawed and well put up. Although his
clothes were poor, he wore them with a
certain grace and moved like man who
is sure of himself.
did you see any robbers?
"Robbers," Ippolito's look was one of
quick suspicion. who has ever seen a
robber?"
Come, come. / heard the count and
Ricardo talking. You have been away
among the orange groves all night. Am
l right?'
You are right
Tell me. is it common thieves, or out
laws, whom you watch? l have heard
about your brigands.
"Ippolito.' came the harsh voice of
Ricardo, who at that moment appeared
around the corner of the stable. Tn the
kitchen you will find food
Ippolito bowed and departed, his rifle
beneath his arm.
(To be continued tomorrow)