The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-04-01
SALVAT0R ROSA.

population. The great and noble words
of patriotism and liberty were only NUT
tered in whispers, but found sonorous
echo in all hearts; whilst conjurations
and secret societies preluded the great in
surrection which must soon break forth
at the call of Masseniello.
More than one Neapolitan who had re-
volted against his oppressors fled to the
inaccessible mountains to avoid the eX-
actions and humiliations that the pres
ence of stranger on the native soil I'M
posed.
Bands were not long in forming and in
esta blishing their general quarters in the
detiles of the Abruzzes. First the proud
descendants of the Marses and the Sam
mites, animated by generous impulses, had
only one thought-to prepare in secret
their vengeance against Spain and the
| Liberation of the Italian territory.
Unfortunately, to the small number OF
generous heart, who conceived this plan
were Joined the people of less good will.
Insolvent debtors, rebel sons and vaga-
bonds. under a pretense of patriotism,
sought a refuge from justice among these
troops of courageous citizens, whose noble
aim they were not long in dishonoring by
acts of brigandage that the chiefs soon
became powerless to suppress.
One summers eve scene OF this kind
transpired on the summit of high noun
tain neighboring the Mujela. In the
shadow of dense forest, under the mys-
terious vault of old, storm-bewed trees, a
discussion, mingled with sound of fire
arms could be heard. Nothing was visi-
Bile, but there, concealed under gigantic
pines, the presence of numerous troop
of irritated men could be OWNED. The
black and moonless sky belied its poetical
traditions; the leaden, storm-charged at
mosphere, the rumbling of torrent
which fell in the depth of the gorge,
would alone have suificed to fill with ter
ror the soul of any human creature isola-
ted in this abrupt and savage nature.
when suddenly a male voice broke the
silence of the forest.
"Thou art surprised" it said, "at the
entrance of cavern where we have
buried precious ores, extracts from the
mineral mountains. These riches were
destined to sustain our cause. Thou
spvest: thou meritest death"
'If | am cul pable," answered some
one, at is only unintentionally. 1never
mix in politics, and chance alone has led
me amongst you"
The obscurity prevented seeing the
two interIocutors. However, by the
freshness of the voice and the courageous
and Juvenile accent of the person who
F answered, it was easy to distinguish a
man in the delicious ardor of his TWEEN
tieth year. ,
: The auestioner continued: "Who art
= thouw
"a painter lover of art and nature
Aranelia, near Naples, is my country.
I started for Rome, but, tempted by the
5 beauty of the roads, / followed on foot, ]
wandered from the direct route, my pen
| Gil in hand, taking sketches here anc
| there of this picturesque country. Twas
t thus occupied when you surprised mt
: and stripped meof my baggage, in which
as regards compromising papers, you viii
4 find only my sketches and brushes"
Q A confused murmur raised itself
G among the bandits, and after shor
n counsel he who conducted this summar,
!, examination added:
u "Because not premeditated, the faul
!. is none the less fragrant, Thou knowes
h where are our treasures. A word from
f thee can deliver them to the Niceroy'
% sbires. We must then have guaranty
n thy life or ransom equal to the gold .
Q which thou hast discovered the exist
ence."
"My fortune does not exceed few cal
lini Ny fate is then in your hands"
N "But thou hast relatives, friends"
e "I am an orphan. My comrades are
Is like myself, young, and richer in hope
- than realities"
'e "Refect we'll. Search thy memory
G; Five minutes still remain to thee.
'd thou canst not think of some secret IT
III source, some unknown protector, at tn
r end of that time, we will precipitate the
.u therein, and all will be said"
R BY a sign the bandit designated til
We abyss, dug for more than eighteen hui
DC dred feet below the plateau where passe
as in darkness this dramatic adventure.
n The young man accepted in silence ii
al short respite which was offered him, an
IL seated himself amongst the brooms c
"a the heath. Little by little his eyes, b
hg coming accustomed to the obscurity, pc
a5 mitted him to conceive the horror of h
hd situation. Not a chance of flight, fl
'e- under the sinister rampant OF the fore
ny a horde of brigands, more cruel than
"a pack of famished wolves, were watchil
Is Is him. A yawning chasm opened befo
ry him, so deep that his eye could not met
ID ure its profundity in the darkness of tt
;es melancholy night. Mechanically |
les foot pushed stone into space. Notwit
= standing its weight, it was several s.
us, onds in reaching the bottom of the pre-
ire pice, where it broke on the rocks, ser
nal ing upward cloud of sparks.
Brave as he was, the unfortunate trt
not eler shuddered and turned his rega
bat from the sombre abyss toward heaven,
en- if to implore hope and protection. \
is star shone there. The heavy clot
no stretched funeral Grape over the sile
are are agony of the unhappy man, and the
,s.' % uge Of all human prayers seemed cloi
s Of to his anguish. At last hand fell he
lrli- ily on his shoulder. The five minu
'ru- had passed.
cto- "Well, hast thou decided% asked
trs tns brigand chief.
ana ana dWould have need to reflect if I
bet. been rich?''
"Good; let us finish it,"