The Detroit times., 1913-09-16
The Marsh al
Historical Romance, by
NARY RAYMOND SHLpMAN AN
-ossyzasAs isla ~ xAs Sssss-lGssan O..

be left, or else-which the colonel
considered the better plan-stay with
them and become q country gentle
man OF Virginia. The colonel had
heard that there had been political
trouble In Italy. but hoped that at
this time the country was at peace
and the marquis comfortably estab'
lished In his own castle.
All this the young marquis. an exile
OF Ave years from his native land,
had read at the chateau of vicQues
He had considered deeply as to what
he might do about Carnifax, his e.
tate In Virginia. He could not 60
himself. for he was In close connec'
ton with the work Of Italian patriots
outside and inside of Italy: with
Mazzini In London; with others IN
other places. And he did not know
any one whom he could send.
So the matter stood when the big
little Battista had brought Francois
letter to VicQues. And when Alike
had appealed to him to take Francois
liberation on his shoulders. with the
thought of the secret passage and the
vaguely outlined plan of escape had
come to him the recollection OF
Colonel Hampton's letter and the
long sea voyage to Virginia.
So when MIR. Henry Hampton land
ed at Calais, q tall and very hand
some and very silent young man took
quiet possession OF him and told him
that he was the Marquis Zapp and
that Mr.. Hampton was to 90 with him
to the chateau of VicQues In the
YssHA ma
force about this young marquis which
made opposition to his expressed wish
something like banging ones head
against stone wall. Mr.. Henry
Hampton had planned going direct to
Paris, but he went to Vicques. A.
on the journey down the Marquis
Zappi opened out q plan which richly
rewarded him for his pliability. Mr.
Hampton had somewhat clearer ideas
on Italian politics than his uncle; he
knew enough to detest the Austrians
and to have q keen sympathy for the
long heroic. losing fght-so far los
ing-of those devoted men who were
counting their lives as nothing for q
united Italy. The scheme Of helping
to rescue a prisoner out Of an Aus
TRAN fortress was an adventure such
as made his eyes dance. Mr.. Hamp-
ton was Fl and full OF romance, ro-
nance as yet ungratified. so. PietrO
told Francois, this long explanation
over, the Lovely Lucy was anchored
at an unimpOrtant island outside the
port for which they were bound; and
Froncois and the others were to go
on board and set sail promptly for
some port of France. There the gen.
eral. Alike, Pietro and little Battista
we're to be put ashore, and Francois
was to sail across to Virginia with
Mr.. Hampton and take possession for
Pietro of his American estates.
Francois, lying In bed with his eyes
glowing like lanterns, listened. But
as his friend finished he broke out
with q sharp pain In his voice.
"Pietro! Il want to see my moth
err" "S
And Pietro was silent, laying a
quiet hand over the unsteady one.
sick man think. The line Of red
which came into the pale cheeks told
that he was thinking intensely, and
at last, with q shivering sigh which
went to the others heart.
You are right, Pietro." he said. ut
is q wonderful plan for broken man.
1t is like you to do everything right
without word said. The sea voyage.
the healthy life in Virginia-that
ought to make man of me again.
soon, ought 1t not. Pietro?"
Pietro could not speak as he looked
at the wrecked figure, but he nodded
cheerfully.
"As for your place, III have that in
order In q month, and In year 1t
will be a model for Virginia and then
I'll come home"
Pietro smiled.
Come home and fight for the prince
for our Prince Louis. DO you re-
member that afternoon at the cha
teau, Pietro, and the strange boy, and
how he fascinated us and hOw"-the
weak voice stopped at every few syl-
tables, but slipped on again cheerful
ly. The familiar charm of the boy
Francois was strong as he talked.
And how he was not to be frighten--
ed by any danger Of an old wall"
and Francois stopped, smiling.
And how you saved him. Pietro
added.
That was a chance" said Francois
quickly But Pietro. do you remem-
Der how Alike turned on you, because
had done It? Droll little Alixe!"
"She always scorned me because
was not wonderful like you. Fran
co.'s. You were always the hero,
Pietro said gently. and pressed the
skeleton hand under his own.
Francois eyes blazed up at him
then as they had done so often IN
boyhood. mot that, Pietro. You DO
not understand. II was because Alike
wished always to see you first. | was
older and had certain Quickness-
she wanted you to have my poor
facility as well az all Of your own
gifts"
Pietro smiled his kind quiet smile.
my Francois. | have no gifts. And
II Alike Is more proud Of you 1t is
right, for you are pride to all Of
us and I am the last to grudge one
particle OF honor or love to you.
Francois"-Pietros deep voice stop
ped, and then he went on In his
straightforward. simple way-"Fran-
co.'s, II 10 not possible for me to tell
YOU how glad I am to have you, my
brother. back from the dead"
And weak. nerve-wrecked Francois,
holding tight to Pietros hand. turn
ed his face to the wall and cried.
Now that the end OF effort was over
the strain of the long years showed
81 al, aStoct. In q collanae. the atrotch-