Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-10-03
GaIes and sketfbes.
AZ ADVENTURE IN rHE PrREsEEs.
By HENRY HoLLKR.

GyTOke, WHICH ndu ucVtiSCu uuC VI ihF iN@-
son for some days, and was beginning to
pull round. was about to enter for the bar
n the following spring, and it was desir-
able that should start in my profession
With 4 sound mind in sound bOdy, | con-
suited my doctor as to how should pro-
coed to build up my health and strength
as quickly as possible. He advised trip
10 the South Of France-where had some
relatives living-and acted on this adj
vice.
few weeks spent among the vine
wards, quietly loafed away in the sunshine.
soon restored me TO my former health and
spirits. For sick person there is nothing
more enjoyable than the easy ,monotonous
life which one leads in the vine growing
villages; but with the re-establishment OF
health comes the desire Tor scenes more
stirring. and to do something more ener-
getic than watch the grape-gatherers as
they toll along the dusty road bending be-
meath the weight OF their burdens.
SO it was with me. ] began to grow
tired Of doing nothing. and my friends
looked at me in CONSERVATION when one
day I announced my intention Of leaving
them and starting on walking tour in
Spain.
..How do you intend to cross the noun
tains? my uncle asked.
..On foot" replied.
NV uncle looked at me as though he
thought had gone out of my mind. Such
. thing as man thinking Of crossing the
Pyrenees. near Mount Maladetta. on foot,
he looked upon as the height OF madness.
"My dear boy" he said, ''you mustn't
think Of It. 1t is too dangerous"
II don't mind little danger In fact,
rather like it," | answered. with just a
tone OF bravado in my voice.
..Of course; but 1t Is not only the dan
ger of crossing wild and desolate dis
trict alone. 1t is one of more serious inn
port. The neighborhood Of Maladetta is
infested by small gang of brigands. un-
der the leadership Of one of the most no.
torious scoundrels in Europe, Don Diego
Gusman. or as he is Familiarity spoken
Of. Don Diego"
WELL" | laughed. seven If I am cap
tured and robbed, they won't find a rich
prize"
..Rut. as rule. they are not contented
with what they find about the persons of
those who are unlucky enough to tall into
their hands. If they discover that their
prisoners have friends or relatives in
good position, they will be detained until
a goOdly sum is paid down as a ransom.
And IL this is not forthcoming very speed
ily. woe to the poor unfortunate captive,
for Don Diego's band are not troubled
with any sensitive feelings. Should their
first message demanding payment not he
quickly answered. the second one will
probably be accompanied by their vic
Tins ears or some of his fingers.
"Surely. though" l interrupted. "if
rigorous measures were taken. this band
Of wretches could soon be exterminat-
edp"
'Yes. il rigorous measures were taken
there would not be very much difficulty.
But they who hold the reins of the Spanish
Government find their horses so FESTIVE
that all their power is employed in guild
ing them down the brood highroad with
out attempting to explore the byways."
NV uncle's advice was doubtless of a
very sound character. but it only impressed
me very slightly. was still as eager to
start off on my tour as if the path should
have to take were rs safe rs an English
roadway.
lie shook his head gravely when per-
sisted in my intention, but he did not fur
Their attempt TO dissuade me. My deter
mination being thus fixed, in spite of the
stories about brigands. set about making
preparations for my journey.
On the evening before my departure q
letter was brought to me. dated from the
only inn the village possessed. The writer
Of it was an Englishman. and a perfect
stranger 10 me. He stated that my inten-
ton of crossing the mountains alone had
reached his and his companions ears. and
a. they were about to make the same jour
ney themselves, they begged the favor of
my company.
made inquiries as TO who my corre-
spondent was. and found him to be
young English gentleman. who, with a
friend. was travelling for pleasure. Upon
making this discovery. was only too glad
to avail myself of the offer.
My new friends were as jovial and light
hearted pair as it has ever been nv good
fortune to meet. When looked at their
stalwart figures and broad shoulders, |
could not help smiling at the idea of three
well-made fellows like ourselves falling
into brigands' hands, for in the youthful
ness Of my nature / considered that we
were match for any six. or even nine or
binary Spapiards.
Uncle Dick was little more easy in his
mind when he heard that YVES to have
companions on my journey, but still his
fears did not entirely pass away. and he
took the opportunity as we were Just set
ting out of giving me another little bit of
advice. when you go into the mountain
Gus district you must keep your wi,s3about
you; for you may rely that every second
man you meet is thief. and he will rob
you If he only sees half chance. But,
above all things in the world. beware of
making casual friendships on the road.
Tor unknowingly you may be talking to
the famous Don Diego himself"
OF course promised to bear in mind
my uncle's parting words. and | don't
think three more careless and merry fell
lows than we ever started off IN concert.
All day long we laughed. .ioked. and sang,
our actions filling the natives with amaze
ment; to them, no doubt, we seemed three
foreign lunatics.
On the evening of the second day we
reached a small hamlet. situated at the
foot of the Pyrenees. just at the spot
where the base of the range already be-
gins to swell out eli the plain. 1t was a
delightful little place. beautiful in its SIM
plicity. with its group of brown cottages
clustered together on the hillside, and its
solitary hostelrv.
Rafnrp ts was an elevated tahla land