Graham guardian., 1913-11-21
Stafford, ARIZONA

lover let SuCCeeueu IN drawing
from her an impassioned statement
that If were accused of being a men,
ber Of the dreaded Camorra society, If
l were convicted Of being perpetra-
tor of Black Hand crimes. still would
she believe that was maligned and
innocent. l kissed her again and again,
telling her that her confidence In me
had enhanced my love for her tenfold.
Hours had passed when we returned
to her home. Leaving me, Nina went
straight to her father and told him
that my credentials were expected
shortly and till their arrival she would
only ask him to receive me condi-
tionally. This satisfied him. and was
made quite welcome.
The next morning, Sunday. opened
bright and beautiful, and my spirits
partook Of the serenity Of the day.
Sunday brings relief In many ways.
and this Sunday brought an especial
relief to me- felt comfortable in the
fact that | would not be troubled with
duns. L passed some time after break.
fast reading a morning newspaper.
One piece of information I read espe-
cially interested me II was headed.
Followed to His Death" An Italian
had been found dead In his bed with a
knife sticking in his heart. Phe police
had discovered a clew to the murderer.
and his arrest was expected. The clew
indicated that the man had been mur-
dered from revenge. The supposed
murderer had occupied room in the
same building with his victim and had
left paper on which was given the
motive for the crime. He had fed, but
the police had description of him
But what struck me fat aback was
that the murder had been committed
in the house where l had had my room
and which had left the day before.
AS l read on another shock awaited
me. The murderer had been for some
time lodger in the same building and
had been given notice to move for non
payment Of rent. He had been seen
to leave the house soon after the MUIR
der had been committed. description
of him was In the hands Of the police.
and he was being traced by detectives
A sudden thought-a horrible thought
struck me. This case fitted me eX-
actly. l had been notified to leave my
room for nonpayment Of rent. Great
heavens! They were looking for me!
Here was pretty combination of
circumstances. In addition to other
uncertainties about me. I was In the
position of murderer flying from
justice. dreaded that the police might
come down on me at any moment.
Calling Nina. led her out into the
garden where we were alone and said:
Sweetheart, | am about to be ac-
cused of having committed a crime
VIII you trust me as you yesterday
said you would?"
What crime?" she stammered. pal
ing.
Murder"
"Oh, heavensw
Here they come now"
saw several men passing through
the gate. They came up to me. and
one of them. putting a hand on my
shoulder, said. You're wanted"
What for?"
Murder"
THE one committed In the apart
ment on X street,?
"Yes."
what proof have you Of my guilt?"
'"That you will find out on your
trial"
Nina's father. followed by her mother
and the rest of the family, came hurry
ing from the house to learn what was
the matter, A police officer stated the
case, and when demanded some evil
dence against me. after consultation
with his fellows. he drew paper
from his pocket and began to read;
Giuseppe, for this act of perfidy you
shall suffer You have handed me over to
be dealt with by the law. I will be the
law to you. will not be long behind
bars. No prison walls have yet been built
strong enough to hold me-"
stop" | shouted, laughing hyster-
ically. n know what that is. must
have left 1t In my room when
You admit it?'
Certainly | do"
"Oh, go on" walled Nina.
when | am free, as the carrier pigeon
looks about him for the flight he will
take, | will locate you, and wherever you
are there Will go II may be when the
earth Is awakening after nocturnal
slumher. II may be when the sun is pour
ing a food of light on hill and vale, It may
be when you think yourself concealed in
the shadows of evening. that | will come.
but come I will. and when you feel my
blade cutting into your neart your eyes
shall serve you for the last time, and
they will behold me bending over you
gloating In my revenge"
AS the man stopped reading heard
thud, and, turning, saw Nina lying
In heap on the ground Her father
picked her up and was about to carry
her away when she revived and in
sisted on remaining. giving me look
of terrible appeal for my vindication.
"These FOOLS" cried these con
founded fools have taken the closing
paragraph of a novel have been
writing for threat to kill a man. or
all the stupid asininity ! ever heard
The police force looked at each other.
doubtful as to whether or no they had
made mistake.
Can you prove what you say?" ask
ed their chief.
Certainly. In my satche have my
novel and the substitute for that pa.
per which | rewrote."
My modification at pulling only
manuscripts instead OF toilet articles
from my satchei was oyertoDDed by