Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1882-03-11
For che RECORD UMos.I
A REMINISCENCE.
Translated from the German of F. G. Welsch BY
Emma Il. Hilton.

The sun had slowly gone down, the light
on the rocks of Sorrento had disappeared
and my work for the day had ended still l
could not tear myself away from the won
derful panorama which unfolded itself be-
fore my eyes.
Far below me swelled the deep blue sea !;
at my feet, down the dizzy, perpendicular
depths, the breakers foamed among the
dark brown rocks the coast of Sorrento
lay before me in the warm shadows of the
twilight further to the left, enveloped in
light mantle of mist, Vesuvius appeared
and sent to heaven its column of smoke,
still illuminated by the sun. But this was
soon darkened, single stars twinkled out,
and the quiet, earnest stiffness of the night
reigned supreme.
Then it grew light in the direction of
Calabria the silhouette of the distant
coast was peresptible again, and the noun
tains of Salerno assembled out of the sea !;
brighter grew the air and darker the rocks !;
golden simmer showed itself on the
edge of the distant mountains a moment
more and the brilliant moon rose in the
heavens and sent its silver light over the
trembling sea, even to the swelling pillows
at my feet.
In the neighborhood of the coast lay a
bark with furled sails presently a fisher
boat pushed before it and approached, then
| hesitatad. as if undecided which way to
turn; all at once it shot like an arrow
through the waves to the bank.
Ole of the oarsmen sprang out and drew
the boat to the land /; the other, who ap-
peared to be maiden, followed him the
contents OF the boat were quickly unpacked,
and laden with them they both assembled
the rocks.
With searching glance followed shem,
for even in the bright sunlight [ had not
noticed path and yet they mounted
with quick steps, bearing, it seemed to me,
| a pretty heavy load on the head and back.
The maiden was ahead, and approached
so near me that thought | recognized her !;
| then turning in another direction, she dis
appeared behind rocky prominence.
l waited while, but all remained still,
and as it had grown late IN the meantime,
l packed my artist materials, in order to
set out for home. But at this moment l
| heard suppressed cry above me, a few
stones ratified down, followed by larger
object, which fell with loud cracking in
my immediate neighborhood.
Terrified, | sprang up, for l believed
somebody had tumbled down the rocks a
moment, however, sufficed to convince me
CT my mistake.
It was great ball wound around with
dark yarn through the fall this was partly
torn away, and portion of the contents
lay scattered about. mostly tobacco and
| cigars.
Now it was clear to me what this nightly
promenade signified they were smugglers,
| and it was evident these wares were not to
be forsaken l stood undecided as to what
role 1 should be obliged to play, when l
heard approaching footsteps. a young
maiden sprang down from rock, and
with quick steps came nearer. The next
moment she became aware of my presence
and stepped back perplexed but mutual
recognition quickly followed, it was Nina
g la bella Nina as she was called IN the
village.
She greeted me with simple, buona
sera," as if we had met on the piazza, in
stead of in this rocky wilderness, by the
light Of the moon. She appeared in no.
ways embarrassed, for without further OBJ
servation she placed the contents in the
ball and commenced winding it up.
| Sac had Just finished, when, at little
distance from us, shot passed over our
heads. Terrified, she sprang up, stretched
out both hands, bent her head forward,
stood still and listened. A second shot re-
sounded, and, with wild cry, she plunged
forward. l followed, quite forgetful OF my
work and my implements. Only with the
greatest effort could / keep in her neigh.
borhood in vain | tried to stop her wild
course. On she went, now climbing, now
running, till at last exhaused she reached
n stone cross. 1t was small open place,
| illuminated by the moon, but shut in by
dark, rocky walls, from which a footpath
led to the city. Nina threw one arm
around the cross and appeared to listen,
but all was still. Now resounded light
call no answer. Leaving the cross, she
stepped into the open moonlight and called
again, somewhat louder" Francesca !"
This time Nina - was softly called back,
and man stepped out. from the shadow of
the rocks.
! With cry of Joy she fled to him and
threw herself into his arms.
Again all was still then heard Nina s
voice A light, half-suppressed laugh was
Francesco's answer, and with a " felice
notte" to me, both disappeared in the
shadow of the rocks.
had no desire to return the way l came,
SO, trusting that should find my utensils
the next day, l hurried home. Half an
hour later sat at my supper in the Hotel
Pagano. 1t had grown late, most of the
| l.. L. 10 Nd thara
was only my friend Prof. M, from Co.
logne, left, who sat smoking his cigar, and
at his question, "Why 80 late!" related
to him my little adventure.
''Yes," said he, as l ended, 81 should
have known of whom you speak without
your giving the names. They will continue
this business until they are seized. Snug
Cling is a passion, like poaching, and the
gains are not Insignificant, especially for
such people. As you saw them tonight,
SO have i seen Cecco and Nina in the broad
daylight, landing their goods by Piccola
| Marina besides, they are in no especial
danger by day, and still less by night.
Long before they reach the bank they know
whether the coast is clear or not. These
people all play under cover. One helps
the other, signals are given, and often a
whole cargo of contraband goods is landed,
while the Custom house officers sit in the
Kneipe. However," he continued, hand
ing me new cigar, there are peculiar
| circumstances connected with Nina. Do
you know her history Nor will relate
it, then, while we smoke out our cigars ::
at may be, perhaps, nineteen years
ago that boat from Sorrento brought two
guests to the Pagano-a young woman and
an old lady-the one apparently in the ca
pacity of companion for the other. They
renamed few days in the hotel, then took
a private dwelling, and in about six weeks
Nina was born.
The young mother was too weak to
nourish the child herself, so the mother of
Cecco was engaged as nurse. Nina was
perhaps two months younger than Cecco.
In about fortnight after the birth of
Nina, the old lady left the mother alone
| with her child.
mo one knew who she was, or whence
/ = -