The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1888-11-02
CHAPTER V.
A SUSPICIOUS MEETING

minutes afterward was in Piotro's cabin
The smuggler made on effort, and rose to
welcome Masaniello, whose hand no shook
cordially. He was a man OF about so, with
frank, loyal expression of countenance,
and had arms which seemed formed of iron
sinew.
'Remain seated, Pictro," said Masaniello
"Why did you not como to SEQ me yester-
iay2" asked the wounded man.
because had nothing but my ruin to tell
you of; but today it is different"
"Will you not revenge yourself?' said the
smuggler
Tomorrow" replied Masaniello "Naples
will he free, or | shall have ceased to live"
lyon are going to rouse tho people, thenl
You are going TO fights Oh, shall DO strong
enough TO follow you-wait for me-"
''Do not stir, beg but listen To me atten-
lively"
''Go on said Pietro.
"You still love my sisterF' asked Masa-
niello.
allow can you ask rho such question:
"And yon still wish to marry herr"
Eyes"
"In that case, cured or not, you inlist not
join us in tho combat"
Pietro started from his seat.
mo, you must not" added the fisherman,
"bccausc it is necessary that ono Of us should
remain to take caro- of Jeanne. Do you up-
dcrstand me nown
a tear rolled down the smugglers face.
'You are right, j." murmured he; yet, after
all, it's hard thing"
''Thcn this is settled, - said Masaniello. "If,
therefore, do not return tomorrow even
ing, you will take Jeanne's arm and go with
her to the Bcnedictinc convent. Dom Fran
cesco is to return today from Rome; / will
call presently and tell him that you and
Jeanne are coming tomorrow 10 receive the
nuptial blessing"
II hear" said Pietro, trying to sti1e his
sobs.
Come, Pietro, If you cannot fight with
us you can pray for us. Cheer up" And
Masaniello left the cabin.
He did not take the road to Naples, but
followed the outward wall of the forti-
ilcations and directed his steps toward
Pausilippo
Suddenly, the same doubtful form which
he had seen on leaving his own cabin APP
peared again before him.
The young man quickly took hrs musket
Off his shoulder and clasped it tightly in both
hands
A loud, rough voice Immediately ex-
claimed:
"Hallool Signore, hear, methinks, the
the wheel of your nusket creaking Corpo
dI Cristol your caution is praiseworthy in
such times as these, and while you, my
master, arc playing the game you play. Be
not so hasty, and do not, ut all events, shoot
mo before you have heard what have to
say. Diavolo! formally object TO it,"
BY the tmc the stranger had finished
speaking, Masanello found himself face to
face with him.
"Who arc you" asked tho fisherman, land
what do you want with mes'
"Bravissimol signore, that's speaking
plainly and intelligibly. But you seem to be
in as great hurry as hind with n pack of
hounds at its heels. Let us walk on to-
gethcr, and will tell you"
Masaniello replaced his musket on his
shoulder, taking care, however, TO keep a
strict watch on the movements of tho
stranger, who was of commanding stature,
excessively robust, and armed to the teeth
$50 you are going to revolutionize Naples,
caro- piscatoreF' said tho colossus, i'll an IRON
ical tone
1T appears to me that before putting ques-
tions you might answer mine"
True. Don't be offended. You ask me
who | am. Why, sanguo do Cristol you
know me well enough"
THAT may be; but, at tho samo time, it
would bo just as we'll if you werc TO tell me
your name, for | am not sorccrer"
"Corccli, then, milo caro-Corcelli, at your
scrvice"
"What! the captain of tho banditti of We
suviusY'
"Thc same, signore."
"Well, what do you want Of me!'
V.f1 II
on a footing of familiarity, will follow
your example, and tell you, without more
ado, that want nothing of you, but that
come to offer everything. Yet, before pro-
ceeding further, wish to know if you arc
really serious in your projects"
"What interest can you talio in thcmy'
"The Same interest that is taken by every
true Neapolitan who loves his country, and
wno hates foreign despotism."
Masaniello raised his head, but the dark
ness prevented him from seeing the strangers
features; but as the latter's voice seemed full
of frankness, he answered.:
ave are serious in our projects"
"BravissimoW replied the bandit. "But,
per Bacco, my young master, you forget the
Duke of ARGOS has placed Naplesin q state Of
defense: the castle is full of culverins, which
will spit out grape shot on you from tho top
to the bottom OF its bastons"
''No matter" said Masaniello; ct will
brave their fire."
Every good; but have you reflected, Sig
more Piscatore, on the immense number of
reitcrs and lansquenets that fill the placce
Have you taken into calculation oil tho Span
ish infantry and Castilian arquebusiers
which occupy every post and fortress from
the sea side to tho furthest limits of tho citya
Don't you suppose that the viceroy will let
oil these military blood hounds loose on you,
Corpo di Baccol you will be made mince
meat of IN the twinkling of an eye" |
'You may be deceived in your conject-
ures my honest bandit. Tho bare arm of
the man of the people is worth moro than the
soldiers Inuskct."
Nonsense, mic carol tho soldier'snnusket |
will send real bullets through tho head Of the |
man Of the people, and, if you have nothing |
but your bare arm to rely on, the fish in tho |
bay will shortly have the pleasure of dcvour- |
ing those by whom they arc generally de-
voured and then your hoped for liberty goes
to tho devil"
"But where am 1 TO procure ormsg' said |
Masaniello, who began TO yield to tho bandits |
rrotesquo reasoning