The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-11-11

DEATH l surrendered her 10 the captain, una we
made for the mountains. She was overcome by
alright, and her steps so feeble and fatcrng,
that it was necessary TO support her. could not
endure the idea that my comrades should touch her,
and assuming forced tranquility begged that she
might be confided to me, as one TO whom she was
more accustomed. The captain regarded me for
moment with searching look, but bore it with
out flnchng and he consented. took her IN my
arms she was almost scnseess. Her head rested
on my shoulder, her mouth was near to mine.
felt her breathe my face, and it seemed to fan
the fame which devoured me. Oh God to have
this glowing treasure in my arms and yet to think
that it was not mine
We arrived at the foot Of the mountain. /
cended 1t with difficulty, particularly where the
woods ihick but ! would not rclinqush my
delicious burthcn. ! reflected with rage, however,
that must soon do The thoughts that so deli
cate Il creature must be abandoned to my rude com
panions, maddened me. felt tempted, the stiletto
in my hand to cut my way through them all, and
bear her off in triumph. had scarcely conceived
the idea before | perceived its rashness but my
brain was lcvcrish with the thought that any but
myself should enjoy her charms / endeavored to
outstrp my companions by the quickness of my
movements and to get little distance ahead, III
case any favorable opportunity TO escape should
present. Vain effort The voice of the captain
suddenly ordered halt / trembled, but had to
obey. The poor girl partly opened languid eye,
but was without strength or motion. laid her up
on the grass The captain dartcd on me look of
suspicion, and ordered me to scour the woods with
my companions in search Of some shepherd who
might be sent to her fathers to demand ransom.
saw at once the peril. To resist with violence
was certain death but to leave her alone with the
captain spoke out then with fcrvor inspired by
my passion and my despair l reminded the cap
tain that was the first to seize her; that she was
my prize, and that my previous attachment for her
should make her sacred among my companions
insisted, therefore, that he should pledge me his
word to respect her, otherwise should refuse obe
diencc to disorders. His only reply was to cock
his carbine; and at that signal my comrades did
the same. They laughed with cruelty at my impo-
tent rage. What conld do2 | felt the madness
of resistance. was menaccd on all hands, and
my companions obliged me to follow them. She
remained alone with the chief; yes, alone, and al
most clcss!
Here the robbcr paused in his recital ovcrpower-
ed by his emotions. Great drops of sweat stood on
his forehead he painted rather than breathcd his
brawny bosom and fell like the waves of n
troubled When Inc had become little calm,
hc continued his recital.
was not long in finding n shepherd, said he.
ran with the rapidity of deer, eager if possible,
get back before what dreaded might take place.
| had left my companions far behind, and rejoncd
them before they had reached half the distance |
had made. ! hurried them back to the place where
| had left the captain. As we approached, beheld
him seated by the side of Rosetta Ills triumphant
look and the dcsolate condition of the unfortunate
girl left me no doubt of her fate. knew not how
to restrain my fury
1t was with extreme difficulty and by guiding her
hand, that she was made to trace few characters,
requesting her father to send 300 dollars as her ran
som. The letter despatched 10y the shepherd.
When he was gone the chief turned sernly to me :
" You have set an example" said he, " of mutiny
and self-will, which, if INDUCED, would be runous
to the troop. Had treated you our laws require
this bullet would have been driycd through your
brain. But you an old friend; | have borne
patiently with your fury and your folly l have
even protected you from foolish passion that
would have unnamed you. As to the girl, the
laws of our association must have their course"
So saying, hc gave his commands, lots were drawn,
and the helpless girl was abandoned to the troop.
Here the robbcr paused again, painting with fury,
and il was moments before he could resume
his story.
Hell, said he, raging IN my heart. behcld
the impossibiity of avengIug myself and felt that,
according to tho articles in which we stood bound
to one another, the captain was in the right.
rushed in frenzy from the place. ! threw myself
upon the earth; tore up the grass with my hands,
and gnashcd my teeth in agony aud rage. When
returned, bcheld the wretchcd victim, pale dis
hevecd; her dress torn aud disordered. An emo
ton of pity subdued my fcrccr feeling. l bore
bcr to the foot of n tree, and leaned her gently
against it. l took my gourd, which was filled
with wine, and applying it to her lips cndcavored
to make her swallow little. To what n condition
was she recovered She whom | had once seen
the pride of Frosinone; who, but n short time be-
fore, had behed sporting i'll her fathers vineyard
so fresh, beautiful, SO happy Her teeth were
cleuchcd; her eyes were fixed on the ground hcr
form without notion and in q state of absolute in
sensibty. l hung over her in agony of recollec-
ton of all that she had been, and of anguish a
what now behcld her. | dartcd around a look o
horror at my companions, who seemed like SO many
fends, exulting at the downfall of an angel, and
felt horror at myself for being their accomplicc
|, The captain, always suspicious, saw, with hi
L,,r,,,l uhnt nnssinr ,ithn nnl