Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1879-04-10
Selected Story.
SALVADOR ROSA.

the seventeenth century, lamentations
of revolt constantly constantly agitated
the oppressed population. The great
and noble words Of patriotism and hber-
ty were only muttered in whispers, but
found a sOnorous echo in all hearts,
whilst COMPUTATIONS and secret societies
preluded the great insurection which
must soon break forth at the call of
MesseniellO.
More than one Neapolitan who had
revOlted against his OppressOrs fled to
the inaccessible mountains to avoid the
exactions and humiliatiOns that the
presence of stranger on the native soil
imposed.
Bands were not long in forming and
in establishing their general quarters In
the defiles of the Abruzzes. First the
proud descendants of the Marses and the
Samnites, animated by generous impul-
ses, 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.
InsOlveDt debtors, rebel sons and Yaga-
bonds, under a pretence 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 sup
press.
/ One summers eve scene of this kind
| transpired on the summit of a high
mountain neighbOring the Mujella. In
the shadow of dense forest, under the
mysterious vault of old, stOrm-bOwed
trees, adiscussion, mingled with sound
of firearms, could be heard. Nothing
was visible, but there, concealed under
gigantic pines, the presence of numer-
Gus troop of irritated men could be di-
vined. The black and mOOnleSs sky be-
lied its poetical traditions; the leaden,
stOrm-charged atmosphere, the rum
bling of torrent which fell in the
depth of the gorge. would alone have
sufficed to fill with terror the soul of
any human creature isolated in this alb
rupt and savage nature, when suddenly
male voice broke the silence of the for
est.
Thou art-surprised," it said, "at the
entrance of a cavern where we have bu-
ried precious ores, extracts from the
mineral mountains. whose riches were
destined to sustain our cause. Thou
spyest; thou meritest death"
IF am eulpable," answered some one
~it is only unlntentiOnally. Inever mix
in politics, and chance alone has led
me amongst you"
The obscurity prevented seeing the
two interlOcutOrs. However, by the
freshness of the voice and the courage
Gus and Juvenile accent of the person
who answered, it was easy to distinguish
a man in the delicious ardOr of his twen-
tieth year.
The questioner continued: "Who art
thou?"
"a painter, lover of art and nature.
Aranelia, near Naples, is my country. 1
started for Rome, but, tempted by the
beauty of the roads, followed on foot, 1
wandered from the direct route, my
pencil in hand, taking sketches here and
there of this picturesque country. was
thus occupied when you surprised me
and stripped me of my bagge, in which.
as regards compromising papers, you
will only my sketches and brushes"
A confused murmur raised itself
among the bandits, and after a short
counsel he who conducted this summa-
ry examination added:
Because not premeditated, the fault
is none the less fragrant. Thou knOwest
where are our treasures. A word from
thee can deliver them to the Viceroy's
shires. We must then have guaranty;
thy life or ransom equal TO the gold
thou hast discovered the existence"
my fortune does not exceed few
earlini. My fate is then in your hands"
"But thou hast relatives, friends?"
"I am an orphan. My comrades are,
like myself, young, and richer in hopes
than realities"
Reflect well. Search thy memory.
Five minutes still remain to thee. If
thou canst not think of some secret re- |
source, some unknown protector, at the |
end of that time, We will precipitate |
thee therein, and all will be said"
BY sign of the bandit designated the |
abyss, dug for more than eighteen hum
dred feet below the plateau where pass
ed in darkness this dramatic adventure. |
The young man accepted in silence /
the short respite which was offered him,
and seated himself amongst the brOoms
on the heath. Little by little his eyes,
becoming accustomed to the Obscurity,
permitted him to conceive the harror OF
his sitution. Not a chance of flight, for |
under the sinister rampant of the forest
a horde of brigands, more cruel than a
pack of famished wolves, were watching