thy most terrible curse rest, now and forever, upon that fiend in human guise, Alexander Borgia—"
"Hold!" exclaimed the mask, with much agitation, as he seized the arm of the old man. "Thou knowest not what thou art saying. Though here I hold a warrant for thy death, thy life shall not be taken. Go with me; I will find thee a place of concealment, where thou wilt be safe. Come—I would know something of thy history. I have some choice wine; and over a bottle of it we will pass an hour together in conversation. Wilt go? I will show thee the beauties and wonders of my palace, and thou shalt sleep on down, and eat from plates of silver! Wilt go?"
"Ay, though death were lurking in the midst of such enjoyments as thou hast alluded to, I would accompany thee!"
"Come on, then, and thou shalt know more of the mask of St. Peter's."
IV.
THE REVEL AND DISCOVERY.
Half an hour later. The mask of St. Peter's and Michael Delano were seated in an apartment of luxurious magnificence, with a bottle of wine before them, from which the old man, from time to time, poured out deep potations. The mask drank but little; he was evidently in no humor for the pleasures that were so new and fascinating to his companion.
"You are a jolly 'un," muttered the old man. “"Must be a happy fellow to have such a nice place to live in, and
