Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1852-12-29

VINO preceded MIN, bearing lights up the ston
steps.
| The bandit strobe along through the apartment
and then throwing his rich velvet cloak into tn
hands of page, flung himself upon a couch be
fore the fire, which blazed cherrily upward; fo
the night was stormy without, and fire was nee
essary to disspate the dampness of the cavern.
Let us gaze at the bandit chief as he sits Their
with the freight playing upon his face, whicl
upon his entrance, was closely shaded by tht
plumes of his beaver, and his cloak closely muf
fled about his features.
His is a youthful face, of the Italian style o
olive complexion, through which could be seer
the veins delieatey traced; dark, deep and starry
eyes, and hair of purple black, like the rich bloom
upon Tuscan grape.
Beneath his cloak, upon his entrance, appeared
the robe of monk; but of this he soon divestet
himself, and now appeared clad in suit of velvet
richly embroidered No weapons were seen, ex
cepting slight rapier thrust in the girdle about
his waist.
Upon the entrance of their chief, the bandits
ceased their noisy revels, and all turned towards
him an eager, anxious gaze. But he noticed not
that they were evidently gazing and waiting fol
him to impart to them what he had that day gath
cred in Venice; for he only rose from his seat
advanced toward the board, and raised fagon Of
wine, filled his cup, and swallowed it off at one
draught, seated himself again in silence.
"What tidings from Venice, sgnor!'' exclaimed
Martin, first breaking silence. The chief sudden.
lyraised his eyes to the speaker, if just awaken
ed from deep thought.
'sTidingsr' he responded; 'the time has at
length arrived, which you have often foretold
Know ye that price is set upon my head!''
A murmur of surprise ran through the hall at
this information.
"By the mass but tits true enough 20 he con-
tinued. "Hearken, and l will relate all that
have to-day gathered in the city. Early this
morn entered Venice, habited in the garb of a
friar. Twas before day break, ere the sun arose
from its ocean bed, that / anchored my gondola,
and ascended the landing stairs. With the first
sunbeams the maskers were abroad, thronging the
streets; for you well know that it is the season of
the merry Carnival, and is extremely difficult to
proceed without being accosted by some one.
And SO l found it; but drawing my cowl closer
over my face, hastily walked ON, giving no reply
to the many questions and jests of the crowd.
was walking quickly on, and had almost reached
the Bridge of Sighs, when masker brushed past
me, exclaiming-"How now! me thinks thou art
in haste this morn, so early, holy padre !! Art
thou going to keep appointment with some fair
lamsel? or art thou fastening to gain the reward
offered by the Doge for the head of Carlo Bardi,
The bandit for by the soul of San Antonio, at the
pace thou now goest, thou mightest scour all the
woods within ten leagues of Venice, and return
lgain in season for an early dinner at the inn of
he Ii Ire Graaie!!" and then with merry laugh,
Ind pointing to placard pasted on an adjoining
vail, hastened onward.
sFor moment was struck motionless; and
was well my face was concealed by the cowl I
wore, otherwise my emotion had betrayed me;
md glanced furtlvely around, until satisfied that
10 one had recognized me, and then I advanced
md read the placard.
''This proposed that a reward of five hundred
lucats were offered for my head-the head of the
eze5rated bandit Carlo Bardi as they were pleased
o term me-and contained an accurate descrip-
ion of my person; and this proclamation was
igned by Geronimo Priuli, the Doge, and also
tamped with the signet of the Council of Ten,
md the arms of San Mares.
s'A few careless enquiries among the people
nd they were right willingly answered, for the
of our exploits are the talk of all Venice
me that this proclamation was issued
ecause Of our late rencontre with the Count Dar-
ette, the Venitan noble and Senator, whom you
veil know escaped us. Upon reaching the city,
e Immediately proc eeded to and lodged his COM
'laint before ssThe Ten,'' affirming that he had
een waylaid and robbed by a party of banditti
nder command of Carlo Bardi
"And now, my men, you are all aware of the
anger of your chief. Shall we perish in the dun
icons of the Inquistion, will you follow him to
nd stood before his men.
'sCarlo forever, and death to his enemies!'' was
he loud cry of his followers to their chief.
ssThen," continued he, II can depend upon you
o assist me in little plan of my own, which I
m determined to carry into action on the morrow
hight. Who will await me by the seaside upon
ny return?''
Twenty of his bravest men volunteered to ac-
ompaay their chief, but they were informed that
hey were only required to await him at the shore;
md then, after settling few preliminaries, the
,andit passed out from the hall to his own apart
nent-muttering as he went-ssThe Council of
Ten will have more work for its minions, and per-
nance have occasion to double, aye, to treble the
rice set upon my head.'
Surprise was depicted upon the countenances
# the banditt as they sat silently thinking Of the
words of their leader.
"What plan can our captain have in view, when
le chooses Venice for its scene of action Me-