Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1856-01-26
9 Tbrillmg shettb.
LU ZU PEPE.

"Put me in mind of it at another time. and
| will tell you how ! managed once to come
off unscathed from some Of our Sicllian ban.
ditti"
.'Oh tell me now; ] have some more eat
ing to do, and have no doubt your story will
| flavor finely these unpretending viands."
well, as you choose"
"I was once on hunting excursion with
two friends, and we had with us two cGccidtori
(hunters) TO show US where there was game
and to save us the trouble ofoading our guns
There was also retturino, who had charge
of an ass, that did US the honor to carry our
! provisions and our guns"
LAS we were going along. near the centre
of little valley, shut in by high hills, one Of
the cdcciatori exclaimed: There are people
on the hills"
I'VE stopped and looked around.
There were eight men. with each his gun
! in hand. descending the hills around us in q
lcisurely manner, in lines converging to the
centre.
at was clear case we were surrounded
and at their mercy, for we had hst four guns,
! the vetturino carrying only his knife.
"a few hurried exclamations were made by
! the different members of our small party, and
| then my comrades looked 20 their guns and
| loosencd in their sheaths, tie long hunting
knives we usually wore on these distant eX-
cursous, evidently getting ready for fight.
stop" said |. These are desperate men,
and though we might shed a good deal Of
blood, we should pretty certainly be over
come. In this case diplomacy is better than
war. The risk is about the same either way.
and have a plan in my head that will, l
think. get us clear without any great loss
MY companions listened to my plans, 0r.d
/ 10 foil
There was large fat rock not far from US.
| told the vetturino to lead thithcr our sump.
ter-ass, and then to lay the cloth and spread
out our provisions.
First came forth q portly nask of wine
then goodIy ham, item some fine white
bread, then some col i fowls, theE some salami,
IA kind of large smoked sausage. some three
inches thlca.) then some knick knacks and
condiments. in short everything necessary for
q ,ery satisfactory hillside banquet.
"Those who were approaching US could see
distinctly every movement, and these appeti-
sing preparations had therefore full time to
penetrate their souls, and call the water to
their mouths.
My companions had at my request put o6
their warike looks, aud we sat down quietly
upon the rock keeping our guns, however
between our knees so as TO be ready, il ne
cessary, for the last resort.
when the nearest bandit came within
ear-shot, ] called out as loudly as ! could
viva Maria 1! the usual country salutation.
The man stopped astonished but | followed
up the first attack with Come on, my brave
fellow come up here and sit down. Here's 5
enough for us all don't be afraid to take
hold.
Then, as the others came nearer, rose
lan oil ant ~ IN IA dc tul-
seats around there's room here"
The one who seemed their chief stepped
forward and saluted me with gravity: then
approaching an angle Of the rock, be placed
his gun against it. The rest all followed his
example, notwithstanding that we still re-
tanned our arms. Each also drew forth his
knife and pistols and placed them on the
rock. Then unbinding the sashes from their
waists, they unbuckled the broad leathern
belt which held their cartridges and laid them
carefully down together. Salutiug us again
with the ordinary expressions of politeness,
they took their places around the viands,
while we, having of course laid aside our guns
played the part of sospitable hosts. and all
fell to with will like men whose appetites
had been thoroughly developed by the keen
mountain air.
1.-TWO of our formidable guests were under
slzeu, Out quite STOUT men. lnelr stOutness,
did not, however. consist Of fat, but Of thick
layers of powerful muscle. One of these two
had lost his left hand and the lower half of
his left fore arm. There was also en- ugly
scar over the outside corner of his left eye,
which appeared to 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 bloodless lips compressed, and his some
what protruding chin was covered with a
heavy black beard. His skin, like that of all
his band, from constant exposure to sun aud
wind. resembled dark bronze.
Their dress was such as the men of the
country usually wear, bresches of cotton vel
vet. blue, green. or brown. according to the
taste Of the wssrer . sort OF frock coat Of
the some. reschipg almost 10 the knee heavy
L Il a -&a ts.~h kirLr