Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1856-01-17
G9e Storp GrlIsr
From the Knickerbocker for January.
LU ZU PEPE.

Put me in mind of it at another time, and
l will tell you how managed once to come
off unscathed from some of our Sicilian ban
ditti."
"Oh tell me now. have some more eat
ing to do, and have no doubt your story will
flavor finely these unpreteuding viands.'
&c Well, as you choose"
"I was once on hunting excursion with
two friends, and we had with us two caooaiori
(hunters) to show US where there was game,
and to save us the trouble of loading our guns.
As we were going along, near the centre of
little valley, shut in by high hills, one of the
caociatori exclaimed: There are people on
the hills
We stopped and looked around.
There were eight men, with each his gun
In hand, descending the hills around us in a
leisureiy manner, in lines converging to the
centre.
1t was clear case we were surrounded and
at their mercy, for we had but four guns, the
ve.turino carrying only his knife.
"A iCW CACldlhdtiOuo WCIO ulduC Nv
the different members of our small party, and
then my comrades looked to their guns and
loosened in their sheaths the long hunting
knives we usually wore on these distant ex-
cursions, evidently getting ready for fight.
.Stop!' said [. these are desperate men,
and though we might shed good deal Of
blood, we should pretty certainly be overcome.
In this case, diplomacy is better than war
The risk is about the same either way, and
have plan In my head that will, think, get
Us clear without any great loss.'
My companions listened TO my plan, and at
length agreed to follow my directions. There
eas a large fat rock not far from US. told
the vettsrino 10 lead thitacr our sumpter-ass,
and then to lay the cloth and spread out our
provisions.
First came forth portly flask Of wine, then
some fine white bread, then some cold fowls,
then some saldpu, "a kind OF large smoked
sausage, some three inches thick,) then some
kRicknaeks and condiments, in short every
thiag necessary for very satisfactory hillside
banquet
Those who were approaching Us could see
distinctly every movement, and these appetis-
lag preparations had therefore full time TO PEN
citrate their souls, and call the water to their
wseuths
My companions had, at nay request, put off
their warlike hooks, and we sat down quietly
upon the rock, keeping our guns, however,
between our knees, so as to be ready, if acc
essary, for the last resort.
When the nearest bandit came within ear
shet, I called out as loudly as l could, viva
Maria = the usual country salutaIion. The
man stopped astonished but followed up
this first attack with: Come on, my brave
fellow come up here and sit down. Here's
enough for US all don't be afraid to take hold.
Then, as the others came nearer, rose and
called out: Come or, friends; take your seats
around there's room here
The one who seemed their chief stepped
forward and salated me with gravity then
approaching an angle of the rock, he placed
his gua against it. The rest all followed his
example, notwithstanding that we still re-
tained our arms. Each also drew forth his
kuiie and pistols and placed them carefully
down together. Saiuting US again with the
ordinary expressions of poIiteness, they took
their places around the viands, while we, hav-
ing OF course laid aside our guns, played the
part of hospitable hosts, and all fell to with a
viii like men whose appetites had been thor
oughiy developed by the keen mountain air.
Two of our foi midable guests were under
sized, but quite stout men. Their stoutness
did not consist of fat, but Of thick layers Of
powerful muscle. One of these two had lost
his hand and the lower half of his left fore
arm. There was also an ugly scar over the
outside corner of his left eye, which appeared
10 have been made by the passage of bullet.
His eyes were light colored, but bright and
piercing his nose large. His mouth looked
like cash in his face, so tightly were the
blGodless lips compressed, ard his somewhat
protruding chin was covered with heavy
black beard. His skin, like that of all his
band, from constant exposure to sun and wind
resembled dark bronze
Their dress was such as the men OF the
kcountry usually wear, breeches of cotton vel
vet, blue, green, or brown, according to the
taste Of the wearer; a sort of frock-coat of the
same, reaching almost TO the knee; heavy
shoes, and woollen stockings an inch thick Z
cravat of black silk about the throat, and I
broad belt of pliable leather at the waist, the
upper half forming flap TO cover the lower
and protect from rain the cartridges which
were set closely, side by side, in little tube
of brass, sewed fast TO the leather. A broa,
red sash held the pistols and the knife, and OF
their heads they wore the usual 5erretta, o
cap of the country. This is knit of strong
thick woolIen stuff, and resembles hug
purse, with woollen tuft at either end
When put on, one tuft is thrust in, SO as 4
make hollow, and it is thus pulled as far Of
the head as suits the convenience of the wear
er, the other end hanging down behind or o
the left SIDE
The two shorter ones, it appeared, wer
both chiefs, and called each other brother