Page 156 (1/2)

"This Signore Luca Barboni was either the assue

in question, or the medium of communication between that individual and

Miriaovernment as that of Rome, it is obvious that

Miriah the

connivance and support of some influential person connected with the

administration of affairs Free and self-controlled as she appeared, her

every hly by the

priestly rulers than by her dearest friends

"Miriam, if I mistake not, had a purpose to withdraw herself from this

irksome scrutiny, and to seek real obscurity in another land; and the

packet, to be delivered long after her departure, contained a reference

to this design, besides certain family documents, which were to be

ione"

"Yes, it is clear as a London fog," I remarked "On this head no further

elucidation can be desired But when Hilda went quietly to deliver the

packet, why did she so mysteriously vanish?"

"You lance of friendly

commiseration atno trace by which her whereabouts could be known In the