Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1844-10-15
Three Anecdotes of Fra Diayalo.
TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH.

TRANSLATED PROM THE FRENCH.
Ohe evening, returning from Clstlemare
TO reIoin his companions, he stopped at an
mn OF mean appearance. He was disgui-
sed as CalabrIan peasant, with a large
mantle, pistol, poignard, &c. and, on de-
mandIng supper, was shown into a little
back room, lighted by a smoky lamp, where
four men, of a disagreeable nien, entered
and placed themselves at neighboring ia
BILE. After few moments he observed that
the men regarded him with curiosity. and
spoke in low tone, circumstances which
augured badly so, wrapping himself 10 his
cloak, he feigned 10 fal! asleep, when the
conversation became more free.
Fra Diavolo soon gathered that the new
comers were professional assassins, who
had recognized him, and whose scheme it
was to secure and deliver him up for the
reward offered. One of them wished To at.
tack and slay him at once bur the Others.
more prudent, thought it best to await the
moment when he should be in bed, unarm-
ed and defeeceless. la the meantime, the
nkeepcr entering with the supper, Fra d.
avolo availed himself Of the noise TO rouse
himself naturally, made a hearty meal, and
having orded a good bed, and paid the land
lord, withdrew 10 his chamber.
AT midnight the four ruffians, as he ex-
pec,ed, stole no;selessly in upon him, one
advancing first with an obscure light, aud
all dagger in hand. The first regarded him
closely, and made the signal that he slept
profoundly all approached and were about
to strike, when Fra Diavolo sprnging out
of bed, completely armed, pointed his pis-
tol at the fellow with the light, and blowing
out his brains, cried with disdain, s. wretch
es. think you that Fra Davao allows bis
throat 10 be but like sheepr'
The three assassins, struck with dismay.
Immediately fled, aud reused by the noise
they made, the inkceper, lamp in his hand,
appeared, pale aud trembling. II am Fra
y .avolo = cried his lodger, :. price is set
upon my head !: learn and repeat it every
wAerc--ihat the fate of this wretch is re-
served FOL all who dare to raise a hand
against me p Thus saying he disappeared.
Another tine he met the Neapoltan en-
ecutioner. conducting two brgands TO the
little tosn Of Ami, where they were to be
banged. A small detachment of carbineers
were IN advance, having FASTENED forward
to make prepai atoms, and three men ouIy
formed the escort. Fra D.avolo attacked
them, at the head Of party of five, dc!iv-
cred The two robbers, and hung up the
headsman against whom he entertained a
very reasonable hatred) in their place -
The authorities Of he town surprised at
the delay of The expected entertainment,
were about 10 send Il messenger 10 hurry
matters, when one of The soldiers, esca ped
from The massacre, arrived to let them
know TIC state Of the case, and they were
obliged 10 announce TO the sappontcd
crowd that TWO characters being requisite
! in the periormanc - namely. man 10 be
| hangd and a IN n to hang hm-and nei,
Their CT them bling abe 20 appear, dis
mfssal must ensue inevitably.
One day, being at SaIerno, he entered
the shop eli halr-dresser and barber. who
was just stepping out TO assist at the tot
'eite OF The q, chbishop. The man excused
himself TO the Stranger, and begged him 10
await his return. which would be mlnedi-
ate. Twas not loog before a captain of
the carbu9ers entered. and taking Fra
Diavolo for the OPERATORS assistant, babe
HIM, III quick tone. 10 shave him at
once, at the same time stripping and throw
ing himself into position upon the chair.
The brigand immediately prepared for his
role. turned up his cuffs. disposed his APP
para'us. and commenced the performance
Already he'd the razor, with suudry extra
llourshes, Wis ted the chin Of the officer,
when The barber returned. out of breath.
and seeing his military customer, cried GU,
10 him
Captain Captain ! the robber YOU
are in search Of Fra Davolo is in town
he has been seen -
"Ah, ha ~ said the captain, joyousy ;
Give got him now -
Mot exactly observed the supposed as
slsiant, with another startling flourish OF
his razor, "ior Fra Diavolo at this moment
| has got you"
The unfortunate hero looked more dead
| than alive. He could not speak, but fix
ed his eyes upon the terrible brigand as
one who read his fate. The latter amused
himself for awhile by torturing and laugh
ing at the enirapped ones agonies. Fl
naIIy. he gave him his life, concerning him.
self with tying him, hand and foot. which
ceremony concluded, he did as much for
the appalled, and trembl ng barber, who
h taken 10 prayer instead of his heel.
TO conclude ''the WHOLE" he put on the
captains jacket and hat, threw his cloak
over his shoulders, mounted his horse.
which, stood at the door, babe him good
morning. and galloped out of The tow, to
carry the Joke 10 his band.