The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1914-05-15

little window in the stormy sunset for
a better light as he dropped the medi-
cine.
"One-two," he counted the drops
carefully up to nine, and then glanced
at the prisoner on his cot in the cor.
ner, who tossed, and talked rapidly.
disjointedly. 1T is high time that the
doctor saw him." the jailer spoke, half
aloud. IF the governor had been here
this would not have been allowed to
run on. | am glad the governor is
coming back"
With that the prisoner threw oil the
cover from his shoulders and sat up
suddenly, with wild bright eyes star
ing at the jailer
"Pietro!" he called in astonishment.
why, my dear old Petrol" and flung
out his hands eagerly toward the man.
and would have sprung from the bed
to him.
But the jailer was at his side and
held him down, yet gently. BE quiet,
signor," he said respectfully. 1T is
only old Battista; you will see if you
look. Only Battista, who has taken
care of you these five years"
The brilliant dark eyes stared at
him hungrily; then with sigh the
light went out of them and the head
fell on the pillow.
"Ah, Battista," he said, my good
Battista." A smile full of subtle
charm made the worn face bright. He
spoke slowly. 81 thought it was my
friend-my best friend" he explained
gently.
''Will the signor take the doctors
medicine?" Battista asked then, not
much noticing the words, for the sick
man was clearly light-headed, yet with
certain pleasant throb of memory
which always moved within him at the
name of Pietro. 1t happened that the
name stood for some one dear to the
jailer also. The signor took the medi-
cine at once, like good child.
"Will it make me better, do you
think, Battista?" he asked earnestly.
But yes, signor; the doctor is
clever"
well, for l have work to do as soon
as come out of prison"
Surely, signor That will be soon
now, / think, for it is five years; they
will let you go soon, believe" Bat
tista lied kindly.
you are good to me, Battista," the
boy said, land just now you gave me
great pleasure. 1t warns me yet to
think of it, for, you see, thought you
were Pietro-my dear Pietro-the
Marquis zappi."
Battista. GREATNESS, stared, stam-
mered. "Whom-whom did you say
| signor?"
| But the prisoner had flashed into
reason. The color went out of his face
as the tide GIBBS. "Battista, did / say
name? Battista-you will not betray
me-you will not repeat that name? I
would never have said it but that I
was not quite steady. l must have
been out of my head; 1 have never
spoken his name before in this place.
Oh, if | should bring danger to him!
Battista. for Gods sake, you will not
repeat that manner"
Battista spoke low, glancing at the
heavy iron door of the cell. God for
bid, signor," he whispered. that I
should speak. here in his own castle,
the name of my young master"
There was long silence. The pris-
oner and his jailer gazed at each other
as If saying things beyond words.
Then the boy put out his long hot fin
gers and caught the mans sleeve.
u "Battista," he murmured, "Battista
lis that true? Is it possible? Do you
know-my Pietro?"
Know him, signor?" Battista's deem
voice was unsteady MY fathers have
served his for eight hundred years. y
The man was shaking with a loyalty
long pent up, but Francois lifted his
head, leaned on his elbow, and looked
at him thoughtfully.
But, Battista, l know you now: he
has spoken to me of you; it was your
son. the little Battista, who was his
body-servant when they were chill
dren?"
Yes, signor."
Il did not dream of It; never knew
what castle this was; never dreamed
of Castleforte; you would not tell me.
Il could not, signor. 1t was forbid
den. 1t is forbidden. l am riskins
my life every minute"
Go, Battista," and Francois pushed
him away with weak hands. Go quick
ly-you have been here too long
There might be suspicion. could no
live if brought trouble on you"
1T is right so far, signor," Battist,
answered. 1T is known you are i'll
must care for the sick ones a little
But / had better go now"
With that he slipped to his knee.
and lifted the feverish hands to hi,
lips. THE friend of my young mas
ter" he said simply, but his voic,
. broke on the words. The traditional
faithfulness of centuries was strong il
Battista; the zappis had been goo,
masters; one had been cared for an,
contented always; one was terrorize,
and ground down hv fhaSa aA,,n4-....