is some foul work going on, which, perhaps, I may prevent." "But why a
sky-blue domino?" said he. I may well ask the same question. "Why the
deuce did I come here in a sky-blue domino, or any domino at all?" I put
the ring on my finger, the stiletto and packet in my bosom, and then
hastened away to the garden on the other side of the palazzo, that I
might read the mysterious communication put into my hands by my friend
Albert; 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.

"P.S. 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