lbert; and as I walked on, my love for admiration led me away so as to
find myself pleased with the mystery and danger attending upon the
affair; and feeling secure, now that I had a stiletto in my bosom for my
defence, I resolved that I would go right through it until the whole
affair should be unravelled.

I walked on till I had gained the last lamp on the other side of the
palazzo. I held up to its light the mysterious paper: it was in
Italian, and in a woman's handwriting.

"We have determined upon flight, as we cannot hope for safety here,
surrounded as we are by stilettoes on every side. We feel sure of
pardon as soon as the papers which Albert received by this day's mail,
and which he will entrust to you when you meet again, are placed in my
father's hands. We must have your assistance in removing our
treasure. Our horses are all ready, and a few hours will put us in
safety; but we must look to you for following us in your carriage, and
conveying for me what would prove so great an incumbrance to our
necessary speed. When Albert sees you again, he will be able to tell
you where it is deposited. Follow us quick, and you will always have
the gratitude of--

"VIOLA.

"PS. I write in great haste, as I cannot leave my father's side for a
moment without his seeking for me."

"What can all this mean? Albert told me of no papers by this day's
mail. Viola! I never heard him mention such a name. He said to me,
`Read this, and all will be explained.' I'll be hanged if I am not as
much in the dark as ever! Follow them in my carriage with the
treasure--never says where! I presume he is about to run off with some
rich heiress. Confound this sky-blue domino! Here I am with two
papers, a packet, a stiletto, and a ring; I am to receive another
packet, and am to convey treasure. Well, it must solve itself--I will
back to my post; but first let me see what is in this paper which I am
to affix upon the man's dress after I have killed him." I held it up to
the light, and read, in capital letters, "The reward of a traitor!"
"Short and pithy," muttered I, as I replaced it in my pocket: "now I'll
back to the place of assignation, for the hour must be nearly expired."

As I retraced my steps, I again reverted to the communication of
Viola--"Surrounded as we are by stilettoes on every side!" Why, surely
Albert cannot be the person that I am required by the black domino to
despatch; and