Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1860-03-03

md gazing on the matchless scene, deemed
he finest Claude Lorraine to be feeble and
powerless.
But ii | had hurried my guide at Campora, 1t
was his turn to hurry me now he repeatedly
called upon me to hasten forward, and not to
lose time in looking about otherwise the storm
would be sure to overtake us in the dark forest,
already bad enough of itself And he spoke
truly, for we had hardly gained the skirts of
the wood before the wind began to rustic
through the leaves above us. There is but
little twilight in southern clmes, where dark
ness soon follows on the setting sun. Here it
came on so black and quickly, that we soon
lost all sight of the path, and were forced to
trust to the sharper eyes of our cattle for the
right direction of the forest road. had un-
slung my double-barrelled gun, which held
before me on the saddle, and thought how
much better should have done had followed
the advice of mine host of Campora, and con-
tented myself with the clean straw he offered
but repentance came, as usual, too late. My
guide rode rapidly and sulkily forward without
speaking word; the mountain echoes were
less silent, and told too plainly the near ap-
proach of the storm But at this moment we
gained piece of open plain, and perceived
that the road branched off in two different d.
rections
''Sr," said my guide now stopping short,
Eve shall not reach Novi before the storm
comes on, but at a quarter fan hours ride 10
a. = g. -, .,,ba
may pass the night. Not far from it is the hut
of vignerone, whom know-who is, indeed,
a relation of mine-and where | can remain
till morning,
sWhat do you mean by these tricks y
said, looking at the printing of my gum 1--WE
cannot be far from Novi, and what am to do
here in this mountain wilderness"
at is an hours ride to Novi, and the rnin
will be down in a few minutes, and then the
stream, difficult enough to pass at all times,
even by daylight, will be totally impossible by
night"
A vivid flash of lightning, that made my
horse start, cut short the explanation
"There do you see2 l shall not ride to
Novi; you may do as you like, but hasten to
take shelter"
So saving, he struck his Maltese, and, under
quickly -augmeuting flashes of lightning, we
dartcd away over stick or stone for | could
do nothing better than follow. In about ten
minutes wa found ourselves in front Of a dwell
ling of some sort, for we saw light through
creyices of the door My guide knocked loudly.
"Who is there" responded female voice
from within.
"Benedetto yalpi, of La Salla.'
"Wait.n
We halted under half roof covered with
vines, Just as the rain began to fall in large
drops on the leaves, and were hardly sheltered
when the bars of the door were undrawn, and
the upper part opened by young woman, who,
holding a torch of pne-wood in her hand,
looked out to examine u.s.
ain the name of all the saints" she exclam-
ed, when satisfied of my guides identity,
"whence came you so late, Bcnedetto and in
such weather."
aFrom Moglia, to be sure. Twas conducting
this gentlemen to Policastro; we were making
for Novi, but the storm overlook us; and now
You must keep him all night"
uNicolo is not at home; suppose you met
him?"
aNo. But at home, or not at home, it can
matter little now. Only dismount sir, they are
good people here. You can sleep up stairs,
and for your supper, you must just take what
the house affords"
aThere need be no difficulty on that score"
said the woman; abut-n
"open quicklyin responded the impatient
Benedetto; Hthe horse can remain in the goat
she'd"
"And your"
~ shall ride over to my cousin, the yegne-
rone's"
$50 late, in rain and storm e
aThey are of little consequence"
"Well, come in them y and the door was
opened.
And now all went on quickly; my baggage
was taken into the hsuse, and my horse into
the stable.
"There is hay in the stable" said Benedetto,
after having put up the steed, "but you must
give him some corn; the gentleman will pay"
Then turning to me, "Fare you wellV' he con-
tnued; you are cared for, and now must take
care ofmyself Tomorrow morning, the saints
willing, we shall meet again."
.Benedetto!" !"
"Well ~
uBut at least remain here also"
uWhat in the stable, to be bitten to death by
the fieas2 No, thank you I'll call for you in
the morning Come, Cinciro !"
With these words he mounted, laid his stick
ON the Maltese, who shaking the rain-drops
from his long ears, soon disappeared in the
darkness.
aCome in, or you'll get wet" said the wo-
mani and we entered the principal room OF
kitchen together, for they are one and the
same in that part of the country. The fire
blazed brightly on large but slightly elevated
hearth; kettle, suspended by chain, was
simmering above it, and something seemed
frying in pan below.
aSit down." said my hostess, and placed Q
straw-bottomed seat by the FIRE, at the moment
that a childs voice from an adjoining apart
ment called her away, and thus gave me ar
opportunity to look round my new quarters.
Opposite to the entrance were two yaulteC
door-ways, one of which led to the apartmen
already mentioned, the other into the cellar
The back part was in a great measure taker
up by the Fireplace, and on the opposite sid'
II. - Al.