Page 358 (1/2)

"Gentle the Swiss Guard, "if the

civil authorities attea written proan to ood," he said, "and I

will not deceive you Although I ae me

with, I have broken the law of God and of my country, and if you have

any fear of the consequences you must turn me out while there is still

ti this young ed in the empty apartment below my ohich

was formerly occupied by the Secretary of State"

Rossi broke down utterly and fell to his knees The Pope raised two

fingers and blessed hirant you a little repose"

"Father!"

By an impulse he could not resist, Rossi had risen froain by the side of the bed, and put

his lips to the Pope's hand

With wet eyes that glea man out until, surrounded by the Swiss Guard, he had passed from

the room Then he rose and turned into his private chapel for his early

Mass