The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1874-02-27
MI j 8 @ eIIaneOus .
For tie Agis d Mtelligencer
TIL E B r IG A N DIS.
4 Tale of the Alps.
BY HAROLD.


On the first day of June, 1910, the re
started from London party on u tour of
pleasure. They embarked on the steamer
Londoner, bound for Havre. The party
consisted Ct FIVE persons, two young ladies,
two young and one old gentleman. After
they were well and fairly started, and their
boat was blowing the turbid waters of the
Thames, they took time to look about
them. There was another passenger on
board that soon caught their attention.
He was man OF about thirty years of age,
muscular and large, about six feet high !;
broad, shouldered and powerfully built.
His beard was long and black as the ra-
ven's wing; his eyes were black and pier
cling, and altogether he had a handsome,
commanding appearance. He represented
himself to be blacksmith.
The young ladies ofour party were nam
ed respectively, Anna Baker and Bertha
Harding. The young mems names were
George Slidcll and Harry Shane, The old
gentleman's name was Charles Harding,
and he was Rertha'S uncle. He was about
fifty years Of age and was a very pleasant
gentleman. After our party had retired in
to the cabin they were soon joined by the
handsome, smiling blacksmith, who seated
himself and listened attentively to the con-
versation of our party. Old Mr.. Harding,
who was quick at detecting a countenance
noticed a smile of satisfaction in the strang-
er's face when he heard them say that they
were going On an excursion to the Alps
and vicinity, but he attributed it to the
mana curiosity. and thought no more about
it. They did not see much of the stranger
afterward during the voyage across the
channel, and they arrived in due time at
Havre.
The handsome blacksmith now left them,
after advising them to take certain route
to Switzerland, telling them it was the best
road. Our party now went to u hotel,
where after spending II couple of days, they
took the cars aud started for Swartzel, a
small town at the base of the Alps. Du-
ring the run across France they saw "A great
many fine sights
AS they approached the Alps the scene
became grand and imposing, the immense
mountains piercing the clouds, the rays of
the sun dancing on the distant glaciers,
with the beautiful cottages at their base !;
the tout ensemble being glorious to behold.
They soon arrived at the base of those
mighty monuments Of the handiwork of
the Creator. They went to hotel at the
base of the mountains, and after good
cheer and fine nights rest they awoke
refreshed, and proposed ramble on the
Alps. They soon set off with u guide
named Antoine, each one carrying an al
penstock. They were warned of bandits,
who had of late been inlesting the noun
tains, but our heroes replied that they had
| fhnir ha
skill and will to use them. They started
on their excursion soon after breakfast,
Antoine leading. After they had advan-
ced some dis ance up the mountain they
were suddenly confronted by three stalwalt
men, who commanded them to halt. Charles
asked them What they wanted, when they
answered they would soon see; whercupon
our three heroes drew their revolvers. The
first villain now rushed upon Charles and
seized his weapon and threw il away; but
Harry at this instant shot the villain dead.
The other two now fired upon our party
without effect, when old Mr.. Harding fired
aud shot another brgand through the
brain. George Slidell fired at the third
rascal, and put ball through his ear
This villain now gave u shrek for help
and bounded off into thicket.
During the terrible melee the ladies KEEP
calm, neither screaming nor taintng. Du
ring the fight the good Antoine had heat
the rascals with his alpepstnck, that being
his only weapon, Harry now gave him t
spare revolver and told him to use it if oc.
casion offered.
Antoine told him he would defend then
while he lived. The guide now calleo
at the top of his voice for help, but as the!
were high up the mountain he was no
heard below. In u short time there was
wild yell close at hand and our traveller
were soon surrounded by eighteen armet
men-the handsome blacksmith befor
spoken of leading them. Our party nov
seeing that resistance would be madness
hid their weapons and asked the robber
what they wanted They were answered
that they would find out in due time, bu
that the first thing to do would be for then
to surrender, which they wisely did, as
would have been madness to fight SO many
The robbers appeared in great hurry, say
ing that there was other game to attend tc
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