The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1914-05-22


date-it is only two months ago. He
was alive then; he must be alive now;
he is! ! knew 1t, Pietro! A woman
knows more things than a man."
With that she threw up her head
and fixed Jean Philippe, drinking in
all this, with an unexpected stern
glance. What are you doing here,
Nelson? What manners are these?"
Then, relapsing in flash into pure
human trust and affection toward the
anxious old servant: MY dear, old,
good Moison-he is alive-Monsieur
Francois is alive-in horrible prison
In Italy! But he is alive, Moison!"
And with that, a sudden jump again
into dignity. Who brought this, Moi
SOM"
Jean Philippe was only too happy
to have hand in the joyful excite
ment. "Mademoiselle, the young per-
son speaks little language. But he
told me to say to monsieur the mar
quis that he was the little Battista."
Pietro looked up quickly. Alike, it
is the servant from my old home of
whom spoke to you. can not mag
Inc how Francois got hold of him, but
he chose a good messenger May l
have him brought here? He must have
something to tell u.s.
Alike, her letter in her hands, strug-
gled in her mind. Then: "The letter
will keep-yes, let him come, and we
can read it all the better after for
what he may tell u.s."
So Moison, having orders to produce
at once the said little Battista, retired,
much excited, and returned shortly
but not SO shortly as to have omitted
a fling of the great news into the
midst of the servants hall He con-
Quoted, marching behind him, the lit
tie Battista, an enormous young man
OF six feet four, erect, grave, stately
This dignified person, saluting the lady
with a deep bow, dropped on one knee
before his master, his eyes full of a
worshiping Joy, and kissed his hand.
Having done which, he arose silently
and stood waiting, with those beaming
eyes feasting on Pietros face. but
otherwise decorous.
First the young marquis said some
friendly words of his great pleasure in
seeing his old servant and the friend
of his childhood. and the big man
stood with downcast eyes, with the
color flushing his happy face. Then,
"Battista," asked the MARQUIS. how
did you get the letter which you
brought mademoiseIle?"
My father" answered Battista la
conically.
How did your father get it?''
From the signor prisoner, my sig
nor"
Alike. and Pietro looked at him at
tentively, not comprehending by what
means this was possible. Pietro, re.
membering the little Battista of old,
vaguely remembered that he was in
capable of initiative in speech. One
must pump him painfully.
Was your father in the prison
shere the signor is conffned?" Alike
asked.
The little Battista turned his eyes
IN her second, approvingly, but
briefly. They went back without DELAY
- their affair of devouring the face
Of his master. But he answered.
promptly Yes, signorina; he is there
always"
"Always?" Pietro demanded in
alarm. rs Battista a prisoner"
But no, my signor."
What then? Battista, try to tell
u.s."
So adjured, little Battista made a
violent effort. HE is one of the jail
ers. my signor."
"Jailers? For the Austrians ?" The
face of the marquis took all the low
full light out of the face of little Bat
tista.
My signor," he stammered. st
could not be helped. He was there. He
knew the castle. They forced him at
first. and-and it came to be So"
Knew the castle!" Pietro repeated.
What castle?"
Battista's eyes turned to his Mas
ter's like those of faithful dog. trust
ing but not understanding. What cas-
tie, my signor? Castelforte-the sig
nor's own castle-what other?"
A sharp exclamation from Alike
summed up everything. Your castle
is confiscated; they use it as a prison.
Francois is a prisoner there, Petrol
All these years-in your own home!"
Il never dreamed of that" Pietro
spoke, thinking aloud. Every other
prison in Austria and Italy have tried
to find him in. never dreamed of
Castelforte."
At the end of the interview the little |
Battista put his hand into his breast |
pocket and brought out another letter, !
Lhickly folded. Would mademoiseIle |
have him instructed where to find the |
mother of the signor prisoner? He had |
promised to put this into her own
hands. He must do 1t before he
touched food.
And Jean Philippe Moison, who had
urked discreetIy back of the nearest
stone vase, not missing a syllable, was
given orders, and the huge little Bat
.ista was sent off up the stone steps