The Dermott news. (Dermott, Ark.) 1910-1977, 1914-04-23

little window in the stormy sunset for
a better light as he dropped the medi-
cine
"Oue--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.
/ dis jointedly 1t is high time that the
! doctor saw him." the jaler 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 off the
cover from his shoulders and sat up
suddenly, with wild bright eyes star
iuE at the jailer
"Pietro!3 he called in establishment
Why, my dear old Petrol" and flung
out his hands eagerly toward the man.
and would have sprung from the bed
te 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
lock. Only Battista, who has taken
care OF you these five years"
The brilliant dark eyes stared at
him hungrily; then with a sigh the
light went out of them and the head
fell on the pillow.
All Battsta." he said. my good
Battista" a smile full of subtle
charm made the worn face bright He
spoke slowly. I thought it was my
friend my best friend he explained
gently.
VIII the signor take the doctors
med.ciue?' Battista asked then. not
much noticing the words. for the sick
man was clearly lignt-headed. yet with
a 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 a good child.
VIII it make me better do you
think. Battista?" he asked earnestly
but yes, signor; the doctor is
clever.
4 want 70 be better; | must get
we'll for l have work to do as soon
as | come out of prison"
Surely. sienor That will be soon
nov. | think, for It is five years; they
Will let you go soon, l believe" Bat
tista lied kindly.
You are good To me, Battista." the
boy said. and just now you gave me
a great pleasure. 1t warns me yet to
think of II, for you see | thought you
were Pietro-my dear Pietro-the
Marquis zappi."
Battista GREATNESS, stared, STAN
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
a name? Battista-you will not betray
me-you win not repeat that name?
would never have said 1t but that I
was not quite steady. | must have
been out of my head. | have never
spoken his name before in this place.
on, II should bring danger to him!
Battista, for Gods sake you will not
repeat that name?"
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
"Battista" he murmured, "Battista
lis that true? Is it possible? Do you
know-my Pietro?"
Know him, signor?" Battista's deep
voice was unsteady. MY fathers have
served his for eight hundred years"
The man was shaking with a loyalty
long pent up, but Francois lifted his
head leaned on his elbow, and looked
ut him thoughtfully.
But, Battista, | know you now; hs
has spoken to me OF you; 1t was your
son. the little Battista, who was his
body-servant when they were chill
dren?"
Yes. signor."
Il did not dream OF 1t; 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. | am riskinE
my life every minute"
Co Battista," and Francois pushed
him away with weak hands. Go quck.
ly-you have been here too long.
There might be suspicion. | could noe
live if brought trouble on you"
1T is right so far, signor," Battista
answered. 1T is known you are i'll;
must care for the sick ones little
But had better go now"
With that he slipped to his knees
and lifted the feverish hands to his
lips. THE friend OF my young mas
ter he said simply. but his voice
broke on the words. The traditional
faithfulness of centuries was strong in
Battista; the Zappis had been good
masters; one had been cared for and