Charlotte messenger. [volume] (Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N.C.) 1882-18??, 1883-02-17

hN'oO, q ohiAOW, u1oudNCA yOu1up u1LJICI
than his father-mounted upon two
high-spirited donkeys, our revolvers
well primed and our commissariat
well stocked.
Adios, Kyrie I" shouted my long
named host as we cantered off.
"Never fear" l replied, waving my
revolver defiantly, and feeling that l
should be greatly disappointed if the
rascals did not show themselves.
On we went, enjoying the scenery
and holding hybrid conversation
he in broken English, and l in sadly
mutilated Greek-until in the excite
ment of the ride and the glorious pano-
rama constantly unfolding itself to our
view, 1 entirely forgot that there were
such beings as brigandsi in existence.
"Now," said to Themistocles, after
ride of some hours, during which
my appetite became unpleasantly
sharpened, ''let uslook about for spot
where we can bivouac in comfort"
We soon found delightful place.
sheltered all round, save where through
small opening we obtained a view of
charming landscape. Dismounting,
and allowing our animals to refresh
themselves on the grass, we soon made
havoc of the good things we had
brought. was laying upon my back
smoking cigarette after the meal,
gazing dreamily at the blue armament;
and being too lazy to rise, had called
upon Themistocles to pass me the water
cup.
"Has the fellow gone to sleepa"
thought l, still indisposed to turn my
head. "Themistoclesl"
But Themistocles heard me not and
when raised myself upon my elbow.
saw him standing, as if struck dumb
and motionless with fear. staring upon
the opening. Instinctively l leaped
up and clutched my revolver but be-
fore took step the cause of Themis-
tocles' fear became apparent; and
three shaggy forms behind three blum
derbusses aimed direct at me, made
me fully aware that was in presence
of those scourges Of Greece, the brig
ands But oh what a metamor-
phosis Where were the natty green
jackets with silver buttons, the plumed
hats, and the tout ensemble of the
brigands of my youth. of the operas
and the picture-books? Three ragged,
disreputable-looking figures, clad in
greasy sheep-skins and dirty clothes,
unkempt, unshaven, took the place of
those tinseled heroes. With stern
gestures and muttered threats they
ordered us to follow them. My first
thought was resistance; but when l
showed the slightest signs, the three
bell-mouthed were bent toward
me, and felt that the odds were too
many; and determining to await events,
grimly submitted to be led down the
mountain by our unsavory guides.
At last, after winding through ra-
vines and hollows, across glens and
over mountain-paths innumerable, this
most unpleasant journey ended by our
guides calling ha as we gained the
summit of an eminence surrounded by
trees and tall rocks, forming an extra
ordinary natural fortress. Beneath
our feet. in n deep ravine. with SEEM
ingly but one outlet, and excellently.
sheltered by oyerhanging foliage. was
the camp of the brigands; and here we
found the rest of the shaggy rufiians-
with the exception of one who stood
sentinel-enjoying their siesta with
indolent content.
A shrill whistle soon brought the
rascals to their feet; and, rushing up
to meet us, they displayed dozen of
as unfavorable specimens of the hu-
man race as could well be found.
Seizing our asses by their brides, they
relieved our captors. and led us down
the ravine; and having roughly as
sisted us to dismount, brought us into
the presence of the chief of the band.
"Bravo, ladsl excellent, excellentp
he shouted, as his sparkling eyes bent
upon us in delight; and after a cursory
examination, we were conducted, amid
excited gesticulations of the brigands
and without undue ceremony. into a
dark cavern within the ravine.
"Shiyer my maintopsl" exclaimed a
voice as / CROPPED my way in; " they
might give us sea-room, the yagabonds.
and not land us in this lubberly creek;
and now they are showing more craft
in to anchorw
Haul in, Jack. old chumr' an
swered another; I'VE must make the
best of a bad job. mate"
To say that my heart leaped to my
mouth at hearing such unexpected
words, and finding myself in the COM
pany of my own countrymen. would no
more than describe the cheering sensa-
tion that thrilled through me-
What cheer. matesY' / cried in the