Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

DANGER IN THE DARK. 213
In a very few days the plan was all arranged
between Bedini and himself. After being properly
advised and severely drilled, Bedini was suitably disguised
for playing the part of a blind beggar, and set
forth on his execrable mission.
Known to no one in the vicinity ~ither Dupin
instructed him to go, and having by no #means an
inferior gift f~r dissembling, Bedini passed from house
to house without the slightest suspicion being awakened
as to his being other than what he seemed.
Alms were freely bestowed upon him by the suspected
heretics; he was kindly entertained, and allowed the
privilege of tarrying at their houses as long as he
chose. His efforts to discover the hated books turning
out fruitless in every probable place, he at last
went to the house of Mrs. Foresti, whom he readily
recognized as the lady who had fed Dupin and himself
when they were lads, and whose garden utensils
they had stolen in return for her charity. Mrs. Foresti,
however, had no recollection of him. Of course,
he had no disposition to make himself known, but
humbly asked liberty to tarry a few days, as he was
homeless and destitute. The benevolent woman hes-·
itated not to grant his request, and did all she could
to make him comfortable.
One afternoon, throwing himself carelessly upon a
lounge, he pretended to fall asleep, and began to
snore, in the meantime keeping watch of his hostess.
He discovered her stealthily take a book from an old
chest which stood in one corner of the room where he