The Sentinel. [volume] (Trenton, N.J.) 1880-1882, 1881-02-19
/" But we cannot" said Santana.

would discover us at once to our pursu-
ers There is no chance for us but
straight forward"
Yes, yes. The Alps" said Santana.
eyes, the Alps" said all.
On and ON fed the noble steeds, still
bearing bravely up, although destitute
of rest for many hours.
"Our horses are not tired vet" said
the old count. "They are good for
many a mile"
But still he looked anxiously behind
him.
Alas! p said Laura, Z" our pursuers,
who cannot be far away, will have fresh
horses constantly. Ours must fail at
last"
But if we only can be carried to the
Alps, all will be we'll"
"God grant we may get therel" ex-
claimed the girl
Eyes, dear Laura" said her father,
once among the mountains and we are
safe; for we can turn aside in thousand
ways, and elude discovery as well as
pursuit.
Ahl'' cried Santana, at the lapse of
another hour see-far ahead-see,
something sparkles and glittersr'
Lago Maggiore!" cried the old
count, in delight.
''Is it the lake! Oh. JOY; We are
near it, them
There before them, but yet many
miles away, lay the lake, its waters
sparkling and glistening in the rays of
the warm midday sun. Beyond lay the
mountains, much nearer than at morn
ing, for very many of the miles that lay
between Milan and the lofty Alps had
been passed over by the noble steeds.
But they now began to show signs of
WEAKNESS. They had gone far; they had
ridden fast. Foam covered their mouths,
and their skins were reeking with sweat.
Their pace was much less light and
active than at first. They labored more
heavily; yet still they went at rapid
rate, and there were no pursuers visible.
Two hours more and the wearied travel
ers We're riding along the shores of Lake
Maggiore Already the level plains
were far behind them, and hills arose on
the borders of the lake. They galloped
wildly through the streets of Aruzzo;
they rushed past the shore where the
Isola Madre and Isola Bella rise from
the transparent wave; they reach ris-
ing ground.
Santana was the first to look around
One glance drove the blood to his heart
He turned pale as death. The others
glanced Immediately afterward. They
saw all. Their pursuers were visible.
They were but four miles behind. In
the first moment of discovery not a word
was spoken. They looked at one an
other in silent consternation Yes. there
behind them their pursuers followed
swiftly and closely. Armed, numerous,
unwearied, they were close upon the
track of their feeble, unarmed and tired
victims. With q simultaneous impulse
they urged their wearied horses onward
at faster pace. The Alps were not
now far away. There they arose, their
snowy crests ascending higher and
higher the farther back they ran, until
they seemed to mingle with the white
clouds of the overhanging sky.
''Alas !" cried the old man, :" if we
could but get there F."
On they went, hopefully, though de-
spairing. The aged Velletri looked at
his daughter with an aching heart. San
tana, too, casting many fevered glance
behind him, seemed forever counting
the chances of escape.
1t was late in the afternoon, and the
sun was near the end of his course,
when they went on among the noun
tains. The road went more steeply than
before-the horses grew more slow and
uncertain in their pace. Hank at a
turn in the road, apparently but short
distance behind them, what a thunder
tramp of rushing horsemen 1t is the
sound of their pursuers.
"The frontier is yet four miles
awayl'' cried Santana, with look of
agonizing suspense. They will be up
to us before three. We are unarmed.
Oh, if I had but gun;-but one pistol
I should at least have a struggle for my
life p
eve have no chance whatever-of re-
sisting," caied Velletri, whipping up
his horse.
"No use-no use" said Santana
/" Nv horse cannot do it."
His horse staggered. He dashed the
poor beast furiously. Useless; the
horse had nobly done his duty; still