ng
from its stern, implacable expression, assumed an air of deep
remorse--of bitter, bitter compunction.

But probably yielding to the sudden thought that she must provide for
her own safety, the murderess drew forth the dagger from the white bosom
in which it was buried: hastily wiped it upon a leaf; returned it to the
sheath; and, replacing the veil over her countenance, hurried rapidly
away from the scene of her fearful crime.

CHAPTER XV.

THE SBIRRI--THE ARREST.

Scarcely ten minutes had elapsed since the unfortunate Agnes was thus
suddenly cut off in the bloom of youth and beauty, when a lieutenant of
police, with his guard of sbirri, passed along the road skirting
Wagner's garden.

They were evidently in search of some malefactor, for, stopping in their
course, they began to deliberate on the business which they had in hand.

"Which way could he possibly have gone?" cried one, striking the
butt-end of his pike heavily upon the ground.

"How could we possibly have missed him?" exclaimed another.

"Stephano is not so easily caught, my men," observed the lieutenant. "He
is the most astute and cunning of the band of which he is the captain.
And yet, I wish we had pounced upon him, since we were so nicely upon
his track."

"And a thousand ducats offered by the state for his capture," suggested
one of the sbirri.

"Yes; 'tis annoying!" ejaculated the lieutenant, "but I could have sworn
he passed this way."

"And I could bear the same evidence, signor," observed the first
speaker. "Maybe he has taken refuge in those bushes."

"Not unlikely. We are fools to grant him a moment's vantage ground. Over
the fence, my men, and beat amongst these gardens."

Thus speaking, the lieutenant set the example, by leaping the railing,
and entering the grounds belonging to Wagner's abode.

The sbirri, who were six in number, including their officer, divided
themselves into two parties, and proceeded to search the gardens.

Suddenly a loud cry of horror burst from one of the sections; and when
the other hastened to the spot, the sbirri composing it found their
comrades in the act of raising the corpse of Agnes.

"She is quite dead," said the lieutenant, placing his hand upon her
heart. "And yet the crime cannot have been committed many minutes, as
the corpse is scarcely cold, and the blood still oozes forth."

"What a lovely creature she must have been," exclaimed one of the
sbirri.

"Cease your profane re