Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-05-09
Hisrellullruug.
THE BRIGAND'S FATE.


THE BRICAND'S FATE.
The Governor of city in Italy, in the king
dom of Naples, wishing to repress the depre-
dations of numerous band of robbers, who
ravaged the surrounding country, published a
decree, in which he promised pardon and a
sum of money to every brigand who should de-
liver up to him one of his comrades, living
or dead. This decree reached the ears of the
brigands, who were collected together in their
retreat in the mountains. They had just cap
tured rich booty, and were dividing the
spoil, which they owed to their own audacity,
and above all to the courage of their young
and intrepid leader. He, seated apart from the
rest silent and detected ,partook not of the gen
cral satisfaction. Slightly wounded in the COM
bat which had taken place with the travellers,
who had dearly sold their lives and fortunes,
he was holding out his arm to q pretty young
girl, who bound up the wounds. Near him
laid the black mask, which he had just
taken off, and which served as disguise in
this perilous enterprise.
Upon hearing the decree read the brigands
started up, and grasped their weapons in in
dignation at the governor who could believe
them capable of purchasing their liberty and
few pieces Of gold, at the price of treason and
infamy. The lieutenant, especially, could not
overcome his boiling fury; for although he had
grown gray in crime, he possessed that species
of honor which revolts at the idea of mean
ness, and he swore he would punish the govern
or for having treated them so contemptuously.
The captain alone expressed neither indig-
nation nor anger he was heard to murmur
these words: .sThe governor does his duty.
Do we not merit the contempt of mankind, as
well as their hatred Are not they worthy of
every species of affront, every kind of punish
ment, who daily outrage every law, human
and divine, by committing depredations upon
their fellow beings? ?''
Guisardi, such was the lieutenant's name,
entertained violent hatred towards the cap
tain for this young man had disputed the
command with him, which was due to his long
services, and had proved successful. Deeds
skilfully achieved, calmness and daring cour-
age, united with mental superiority, which
imposed upon these ferocious but simple mind
ed men, had quickly obtained from Paola the
title of their captain, and with the title the
fdence and blind obedience of the whole troop.
This enmity towards the young commander
operated very powerfully in the unregulated
mind of Guisardi, and was augmented by jeal-
ousy for he had become enarmored of Floret-
ia, the young girlwhom we represented dress
ing the arm of the young chief.-Floretta had
accompanied this young man upon his joining
the troop, and ever since she had constantly
shared with the devotion of love, the fatigues
and dangers of his new condition, repusing
the addresses of Guisardi with just abhor-
renee. He was, however, in possession of in
important secret.
The brigands had entered their mountain
cave in order to take some necessary repoSe,
and once more count over their treasure ere
they gave themselves up to sleep. The cap
tain remained alone, but soon retired to take
his customary ramble among the recesses of
the mountains. Guisardi followed his step at
distance, when he suddenly took winding
road, and placing himself at the turn of de-
file, awaited the arrival of Paola. AS soon as
he approached, Guisardi, with a stroke of his
poignard, extended him dead at his feet he
then severed the head from the body, and pla-
eng III IN an iron CaSkeG, lininculdteiy SET OH
to the town where the governor resided.
Upon Guisardis arrival at the governors
palace, everything wore a Joyous aspect; it
was a day of festivity, for they were celebra-
ting the marriage of one of the governors
daughters. Before admitting him the guards
demanded his name and business he made
himself known, pronouncing a name which
was the terror of the whole country, adding
that, taking advantage of the amnesty, he had
brought the head of his chief, the famous
Paola, name no less famous than his own.
He was introduced into the saloon where the
governor was seated, surrounded by his cour-
tiers and family. The governors daughters,
horrifed, would have retired from the apart
ment, had not their father prevented them.
ssThis man." said he, sis guilty, but repent
ant, and has avenged society with his own
hand. Remain, my children, and endeavor to
overcome thisweakness. Give, added he to the
attendants, a seat to our new guest, and some