The Huttig news., 1915-06-19


 me, that is to say. that he formerly held a commission under the holy father.
 True, I remember the name. But the count is entirely mistaken. He is perfectly at liberty to come here when ever he pleases.'
 T thanked the good father for his permission, which I did not fail to communicate to Vescaro the next time 1 was in his house.
 He appeared somewhat surprised at it.
 Thank you for your kind inten- tions,' he said stifIly, but all the same I do not propose to avail myself of Monsignor Perratti's permission. At least l will think 1t over.
 There was nothing more to be done, and l did not refer to the sub ject again. Monsignor Perratti was good enough to ask me, when he found me in the museum a few days after, why my friend had not come with me, but I put him off with an excuse.
 Some weeks had passed, and I had forgotten all about the incident, when, as 1 entered the museum one after noon, I was met by the worthy Jesuit in a state of great excitement.
 ".Ah Exeellency!' he exclaimed, as soon as he caught sight ofsane, I have something to tell you which will give you the greatest delight. A new treas ure has just arrived it is collection of ancient seals, some of them most exquisitely engraved which Cardinal Salvatierra has presented to the pope. You must positively come and see them at once.
 Charmed by. his intelligence, hastened tc place myself at his dis posal. He led me long way into before penetrated After going through innumerable rooms, all filled with val uable curiosities of different kinds. we arrived at last in a long deserted gal lery with bare walls, to which light was admitted by means of a skylight overhead The obscurity of the gallery was further relieved by the entire end wall being made mirror. which re- fieeted back the light from the roof. All down this gallery were ranged tables, supporting the cases with glass lids usually seen in museums, and in these cases were displayed sets of coins and other interesting objects.
 But my conductor would not let me pause to examine them. At the far end of the gallery-whese apparent length was increased by the mirror I have described-I perceived man standing in front of one of the cases, the contents of which he appeared to be setting in order.
 "'It is the cardinal himself!' ex- claimed Monsignor Perratti. We are fortunate. He is just arranging the seals
 His Eminenee, with whom 1 was already acquainted, turned around to greet me as l came up. and kindly offered to show me his famous col lection. But how can l describe these things to you? They were indeed price less. One in particular, an onyx en- graved with the head of Vespasian. was one of those objects for the sake of which one commits murders!
 "I thought should never have torn myself away from the gallery. But the cardinal, who was all goodness, prom ised to meet me there again, and to renew his lecture on these fascinating gems. At the same time Monsignor Perratti remarked:
 ".You ought really to bring that poor count of yours to inspect these seals. Without doubt they would in- terest him as much as they do you
 "sThe Count; who is that?' inquired Salvatierra, turning to me. l explained the allusion. His Eminence at once became interested.
 "I remember Count Vescaro very well indeed, he said in a tone of marked cordiality. He is indeed man to whom these gems ought to be shown There is no more accomplished judge of such things in Rome. l should like you to assure him that such is my opinion, and that l shall feel it a particular favor if he will honor my little collection with visit.
 "I will give him your kind mes- sage, CardiNal,' I replied. Without doubt it will remove his last scruples.
 "'Very good; I shall expect to see him here within the next few days.
 "I bowed and took my leave. feeling, perhaps, little chagrin at the im- portance which appeared to be at- tached to vescaro's opinion.
 However, I found myself at his house that night, and just before I came away finally repeated the flat tering messages with which had been charged by Cardinal Salvatierra. Yes caro listened with certain preoccu- patton.
 'Salvatierra?' he murmured. thoughtfully. That is not name which I remember,
 "'The cardinal did not say that you were known to him personally. but merely that he had heard of your reputation I explained.
 "'Yes, but that was not what l was thinking of You have not told me what the seals were like.
 .I saw that he was hesitating, and