Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1914-01-23
CHAPTER XIV.
Dawn.


near the Crystal Lake. 1t had two
rooms and kitchen, that was all; but
it had been pleasantly and we'll fur
nished with everything lone woman
might want. When Napoleon assisted
Rositta from the aerodromone he led
her into the pleasant living-room She
followed him obediently, as If in a
trance, seating herself in the chair
indicated without word.
This is your, future home, Rositta,"
he said, simply.
She did not reply, but sat looking
out the window. at the clear lake and
the steep mountain sides that over
shadowed the little valley forbidding-
| ly. A strange fire shone in her eyes,
She stood up slowly and cautiously
and stepped to the window. She
looked out at the beautiful green TO-
liage and the blooming flowers for a
long time, and Napoleon did not dis
turb her. Her actions commanded re-
spect.
A smile appeared on her face, a
smile that reminded Napoleon of his
own mother; 1t expressed mother
love, the most holy of all.
"See-see how green the grass is!
| How blue the sky is! How mild the
air. and the water Of the Lago di Mag
| giore is as smooth as mirror" She
| beckoned to Napoleon. Just look at
that sweet little girl, see how she runs
| IN 40 oh ha fo L,,t
fly. Don't you see her, man! Don't
you see herr" She gasped these last
words hoarsely and grasped Napole-
ons arm. A nameless terror had his
noble soul in its grip.
Answer me, do you see herr" She
began to sob "Ah, don't say no-say
you see her. She is my own little girl
She is good and not like her mother.
She Is good, say! She must be good
to be happy" She sobbed wildly.
Turning to Napoleon she screamed: {:
Speak! Oh, speak to me, or shall
go mad entirely"
He took her hands in his and in a
mild voice said: "Rositta, be quiet;
you don't know what you are saying"
She pushed him away. A wild look
came into her eyes.
you fiend! You have killed me.
and I'll kill you now!" Her hand
slipped into her bosom and a short
gilt Venetian dagger glistened bright
ly. She darted forward blindly and
just missed Napoleon. Her dagger
struck the wall fiercely. The blade
broke and fell with sharp clink to
the floor. The next moment she faint
ed in Napoleon's arms.
He carried her to the sofa and
brought fresh water to revive her.
For two long hours her soul trav.
eled through unknown regions where
there is neither time nor distance.
When she opened her eyes again she
was not the same youthful, vivacious
Rositta. She had become old.
She did not speak for long time,
and Napoleon had the patience to
await her pleasure, notwithstanding
his neglected duties at Washington.
At last she sat up and said weakly:
Napoleon Edison, you have won. You
are strong; am weak. The Queen
Rositta is dead. The only one l ever
truly loved, my little daughter, is
dead, and now can mourn the rest
Of my life. You may go. Napoleon.
That kiss Of yours on the roof at Hell.
goland-that kiss given as alms-is
responsible for all l have done" She
offered her hand. please 60; there
are many awaiting you. I want to
rest in this solitude"
Napoleon took her hand. "Good.by.
Should you need me. there is a special
signal arrangement in the other room;
use It." He left. and she watched his
form disappear In the dark night. The
man she had once feared. loved and
hated was gone, and. 1t was strange.