Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1836-08-31
THE BRIGAND'S CHILD.

| was journeying among some of the
rugged and romantic scenery of Italy, when
my guide suddenly stopped, and by his
amazed looks plainly indicated the presence
of danger. 1t was past midday, and we
were impatient to reach our destination ere
night-fall. | had scarcely asked the postil-
lion what had occasioned the stoppage, when
u ball whizzcd past MS, and looking AN the
direction whence it came, saw half dozen
or more fierce looking fellows with present
ed rifles taking aim tus. Perceiving death
to be so near, and DESTROYS Of averting it,
signifed to the brigands my perfect readi-
ness to give up all that possessed, and only
required the preservation of our lives. My
words had the effect of arresting the brig
and's purpose, and they came down from
their position, informing us, however, that
we must accompany them to their COM
mander, who had solemnly sworn to kill
every Englishman that fell into their power,
in order to revenge the death OF his brother,
who had fallen in an action with party OF
Englishmen some days before. This was
not pleasant intelligence; my life seemed
only spared for moment, for the brigands
assured me that their chiefwas inexphcable,
and my guide had previously entertained me
with some narratives of the ferocity OF MI
chael Barossini, the recollection of which SER
we'd to corroborate the testimony of the rob-
bers. afterwards learned that this savage
chief had ordered his men to bring every
Englishman they found on the road before
him, that he might have the luxury of putting
| a, hot xvr In
fore he had sacrificed fellow countryman
of mine to his revenge. was blln-
ded, and conducted through glades and
ravinos for some considerable time, and
when the handkerchief was taken from my
eyes, found myself in the presence OF the
dreaded brigand, Michael Barossini. He
was man of Herculean proportions, with
large dark eyes, and matted locks, thickly
falling overhis sun-burnt cheeks. He eyed
me with savage ferocity, butthere was some-
thing noble in his appearance which led me
to expect that my appeal to his mercy would
not be Intellectual. But the death of his
brother was too young in his memory, and
all my words were of no avail. "The
Englishman's blood must be shed, he cried,
"to satisfy my murdered brother
Entreaties were of no avail he was firm
and resolute, and having given me few
moments for preparation, he turned away
to fondle his child, boy of about three years
old, who came running towards him.
thought it strange that after deciding upon
such an atrocious act, and with the expecta.
ton of Strengthening fellow creature in his
mind, he could caress his child, and disT BAY
SO much of human emotion. AT lengtl
putting his little boy from him, he turned
savagely towards me, and ordered his mel
to conduct me Immediately TO the place o
execution.
This was the brink of precipice whicl
il was fearful to look down from. 'Gra
cious heavens Z cried, 'you are not goinI
to dash me down this precipice.' No
alive growled one of the banditti; you vii
2 fall down when the captain has nickcd you
4 and spare us the trouble The few mo
d ments that ensued were solemn and awful
s | stood uponthe brink of eternity, the savag
g Herculean brgond was preparing his riff
y for the death shot, and the brigands wer
: gathering around him anxious for the horri
! sight that was to cnsue. AT length ever