The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1846-05-21

1
mountains of Arta in the distance, sharply
defined against the glowing sunset sky,-
and the little circle Of tents, whose tiny
cones seemed a mockery Of the vast pyra-
midal, snow-capped rocks which shadowed
them, formed q combination at once beau
tiful, magnificent, and picturesque.
Nearthe margin ofthe stream, somewhat
in advance Of the outermost of the groups
alluded 10, stood.a solitary soldier, leaning
on his long fusil, and gazing earnestly TO-
ward the narrow and rugged pass through
which the river at his feet entered the Suli-
ole territory. The white locks which fell
from beneath his scarlet cap, betokened ad-
yanced age, while his rich, gold -broidered
vest, ornamented sandals, and silver-hlted
sabre, proclaimed him one Of the Vizier's
body-guard. He had been some time engag-
ed in his silent scrutiny, when he was joined
by cemrade in similar habit, but compar-
atively STRIPPING, who, dissipating the vet
eran's reverie with smart tap OH the shoul-
der, exclaimed, in a bantering tone: "Well,
Elmas, canst thou devise any means for ma
king breach through those rocks thou art
50 sagaciously regarding? There is that
within them would be precious morsel to
the vengeance of our noble Vizier. | fear,
however," he continued, laughing, there
is little chance Of its feasting Oh sucha del
icacy yon rough looking shell seems well
calculated 10 defend its kernel. Vengeance
is more likely to break herteelh against it,
than TO find a way 10 its rccesses.
"Thou art wrong, Basileus,' y returned the
other; four standard will wave from yon
heights sooner than thou thinkest.'
81 see not how" returned the young sol
dier, sunless the Suliotes hand down seal
ing ladders from their rock, to assist our ras-
cent, or politely withdraw from their passes
for our accommodation. BY the Prophet! |
have as keen an appetite for fighting as most
men, but | prefer something peneirable
than naked rocks TO try the edge ofmy sabre
on"
"Boy!" said the old man, gravely, +" the
fiery spirit that chafes at every check, aban-
dons as impossible what cooler heads would
execute with ease Are the Chmaniol
mountains more accessible than these? Has
not oul Pasha exterminated the robbers of
Pindus, and marched through their strong
holds even to the plains of Thessaly?--and
thinkest thou he will be foiled by these Suli-
ote dogsr
81 know not" said Basleus, smiling,
(" what thou termest foiling, yet | think
thirteen years siege, without gaining an
inch of ground, can hardly be deemed sue
cess; and those dogs, too, as thou art now
pleased to call them, have heaTu lHee
speak with admiration Of their courage and
patriotism"
"True,--for respect those qualities even
in an infdel, but now, when, as | hear,
they are about to sell their country for a few
paltry piastres, by the Holy Tomb | loathe
the soulless slaves" exclaimed the old man,
vehemently.
"Ah! then treachery is to be our guide
to yonder summts?"
"Yes,-I am aSen now awaiting the ap-
proach of the principal traitor, Coral, who
has pledged himself to deliver up Giavella,
and lead our army to the emnence which
commands the Kiafa."*
aGiavella?" asked Basileus: ssIs not he
the Capitano whom have heard thee re-
late such daring exploits, ,-whose lovely wife
has been known to fight by his side?"
Z "The same," answered Elmas, in a tone
of regret sslt is said he is this night to be
betrayed into our hand By Allah! | pity
the brave man who is to be thus sacrificed.
He once saved"
"Seem cried the youth, interruptng him,
'some one is approaching. Ra! now he
'emerges from the shadow of the rock: see
by his white calpac't it is Greek. This
must be the man thou art waiting for"
"Yes,"-responded the old soldier con-
temptously, as he glanced toward the advan-
cling stranger,-"yes, doubtless that is the
renegade cur. How crouchingly the mis-
creant steals along: it is almost needless to
try him with the couutersign, for l see trea-
son written in his face.''
The singularly insidious and snake-like
expression of the intruder's countenance,-
his cold and treacherous, yet unfixed and
restless eye,--his stealthy step, which re-
sembed that ofa panther on thescent of prey,
fully warranted the veterans. assertion,
and formed tout ensemble SO sinister, that
Elmas and his companion instinctly grasped
the stocks of their pistols as he approached.
"Mire 81 ueni," (well, you are Gomez said
The former, addressing him in the Albanian
tongue.
G Heret," (in good time,) was the response
in the same language.
"It is right,-follow me-" returned his
querist, as, without deigning further collo-
guy, he nodded an adeu to bis young COM
rade, and led the way with stately strides
10 the Vizer's tent Arrived there, he trans
ferred his charge 10 the guard the en-
trance, who, in accordance with previous
orders, ushered him Immediately into the
Pasha,s presence.