Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-11-26


over the loss. f
Some miles from Venice is or was deep
and almost impenetrab.e forest, known as
the "RoBBER's S HAUNT" To this it was
supposed Leonora had been carried. t1
was resolved to send an armed band to
rescue her; the command was, at his own
request, given to Valencia. They started
on their perilous mission, but neither bel
nor his followers returned, and it was sup
posed they had fallen into the hands of the
bandits. +
But what of Lorenza did be attempt
to fnG Leouora Hs did, but he did it /
secretly as the best means of succeeding.
One morning, about week after the alb
duction, poor half starved and raggedly |
dressed man might have been seen strolling
about in the vicinity of the "Robber's |
Haunt" Being tired and weary, he laid
down in the shade of the trees and slept
How long he slept he knew not, but when
he awoke, two men were leaning over him
Raising him up they asked him,
"Whence comest thou p
''From Spain
"How in this forlorn condition p
"From having travelled far
"Come with Us"
The man arose and supported, he pro-
cccded with them In the forest they led
him first one way, then another, until the
man was certain he could not hope to fnd
his way back alone At length they paused
and told him, he must be blindfoded. =
Ever submissive, he consented without a
murmur. Stopping again, one of bis con-
ductors gave rap on some hard substance,
almost Immediately three were heard in
response, and then noise as of door open
ing was heard, and they passed on; the
door was shut. Proceeding along wind
ing passage through apother door, and
they paused.
eve will remove the bandage now
The bandage was removed and for a mo-
ments. the man could distinguish nothing
for the light which burst upon him. Re-
covering himself, he looked around and
found himself in cave. From brightly
cmblazoned chandeliers, light streamed
throughout the vast apartment. Every
thing was in almost regal splendor at the
farther end was raised platform or throne
richly furnished and, in letters dazzling to
look upon, was the word "JUsTIcE' on tht
front; below which was the representation
of an executioner in the act of sending /;
mortal into eternity. In few moments
tall, desperate looking man, dressed il
spiendor entered and fll4as addressed ths.
stranger,
"What doest thou in the cause of Con
zaldo."
II know not. But give me some foo
and | will tell my story; l am faint an
weary"
Refreshments were given him after hay
ing partaken of which he continued:
"Most noble Gonzaldo, for now | kno,
thee, thanks for the kindness you hay
done me. My name is Ferdinanl DeGastr'
: nay start not, for am he, the renowne
bandit of Spain"
'But DeGastro is dead He was exec,
ted two months ago."
| "Nay, it was my Lieutenant, who to sa,
i me frem pursuit claimed to be me and 10
: his head he was noble man" Th
i seemed to satisfy all suspicious of his cha
acter and he again continued. "You ha
s doubtless heard Of my defeat and owe
! throw. have not stopped in one pla
over two days since l left Spain, and wea
and almost famished, laid down to re
+ and may be die, when your humane Fl
lowers found and saved me"
e This recital wrought great influence
the minds of the listeners; no sooner b
II he concluded than loud huzzas rang
brave Ferdinand DeGastro. Gonzal
q spoke,
10 Welcome DeGastro to the abode of &c
y zaldo Often have heard of your bra
is and noble deeds, henceforth let US be frien
~ indeed. But methinks these garment
ID not we'll become one of your character.
s. Bring some proper apparel for him.
The order was obeyed and soon he "
at dressed in a robe, equalling Gonzaldo' 8
t. splcndor.
"Now ~ exclaimed Gonzaldo, Il y
show you ght to which in all your castill
rovings you have seen no equal. No, not
the wide, wide world is there a sight eq
ii, to that l will show you" and turning
ht one near him he continued, "bring the
ce Leonora in and tell her to bring her g
al tar"
in At the name Of Leonora percepti
Sc. tremor shook DeGastro and sigh esca]
,la his lips
of Wherefore do you sigh"
he because once loved fair one mar
gh Leonora; she was my life, my love, my
but--no I'll not tell it.
,ed "Cease sighing and be joyous for t
'on of pleasure we shall have tonight"
of At this moment a door opened
his LeonorG Castillo entered with guitar
The Proceeding to where stood Gonzaldo
he remained proud and erect before him.
fall "Fair maid | have sent for thee to
ion hven US with songs from thy own sv
,m- voice and with music from thy magic
out tar try thy best now for have wor
guest here present"
the "Signor Valencia" said Leonora
the slow, measured voice, had an Angel f
= God appeared and written . judgment
re- that wall, like one did Of old, Gonz
ttly could not have been more terrified.
ear "Why call me Valencia? | am {
,nly zaldo,' gasped the fear stricken bandi
hey "Seek not to deceive me now, for il
A fance of your disguise [ have detected
nds to be none other, than my most hated
'e is contemplate prosecutor, Siguor Vale
non- All one of your character should lea
one,l control his voice and actions when i