Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-09-25
CHAPTER V.
A SUSPICIOUS MEETING

ne nad no time to lose, he passed on, and two minutes afterward was in Pietro's cabin
 The smuggler made an effort, and rose to welcome Masaniello, whose hand he shook cordially. He was a man of about 30, with a frank, loyal expression of countenance, and had arms which seemed formed of iron sinew.
 "Remain seated, Pietro," said Masaniello.
 "Why did you not come to see me yester< dayF' asked the wounded man.
 "Because had nothing but my ruin to tell you of; but today it is different"
 "Will you not revenge yourselff' said the smuggler.
 Tomorrow" replied Masaniello, "Naples will be free, or shall have ceased to live"
 You are going to rouse the people, then? You are going to fight? Oh, shall be strong enough to follow you-wait for me-"
 ''Do not stir. beg; but listen to me atten- lively"
 "Go on," said Pietro
 niello.
 "How can you ask me such question?'
 And you still wish to marry her?'
 "Yes."
 "1n that case, cured or not, you must not join us in the combat"
 Pietro started from his seat.
 "No, you must not" added the fsherman "because it is necessary that one of us should remain to take care of Jeanne. Do you un- dersrand me nowa"
 A tear rolled down the smugglers face
 "You are right" murmured he; ''yet, after all, it's hard thing"
 ''Then this is settled, D said MasanielIo. s'If, therefore, do not return tomorrow even ing, you will take Jeanne's arm and go with her to the Benedictine convent Dom Fran cesco is to return today from Rome; I will call presently and tell him that you and Jeanne are coming tomorrow to receive the nuptial blessing"
 II hear" said Pietro, trying to stife 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- fications and directed his steps toward Pauslippo.
 Suddenly, the same doubtful form which he had seen on leaving his own cabin ap- peared again before him.
 The young man quickly took his musket off his shoulder and clasped it tightly in both hands.
 A loud, rough voice immediately ex- claimed:
 "Halloo! Signore, hear, methinks, the the wheel of your musket creaking. Corpo di Cristol your caution is praiseworthy in such times as these, and while you, my master, are playing the game you play. Be not so nasty, and do not, at all events, shoot me before you have heard what have to say. Diavolol formally object to it."
 By the time the stranger had finished speaking, Masaniello found himself face to face with him.
 "Who are you?' asked the fisherman, land what do you want with mel"
 "Bravissimo! signore, that's speaking plainly and intelligibly. But you seem to be in as great hurry as a hind with pack of hounds at it's heels. Let us walk on to- gether, and will tell you"
 Masaniello replaced his musket on his shoulder, taking care, however, to keep strict watch on the movements of the stranger, who was of commanding stature, excessively robust, and armed to the teeth.
 'So you are going to revolutionize Naples, caro piscatores' said the colossus, in an iron ical tone
 Ut appears to me that before putting oues- tions you might answer mine."
 True. Don't be offended. You ask me who l am. Why, sangue de Cristo! you know me we'll enough"
 ''That may be; but, at the same time, it would be just as we'll if you were to tell me your name, for am not a sorcerer."
 "Corcelli, then, mic caro-Corcelli, at your service!"
 "What! the captain of the banditti of Ve- suviusa"
 ''The same, signore."
 "Well, what do you want of me?'
 Well, carissimo, as you place me at once on a footing of familiarity, will follow your example, and tell you, without more ado, that want nothing of you, but that I come to offer everything. Yet, before pro- ceeding further, wish to know if you are really serious in your projects"
 What interest can you take in them?"
 1.-The same interest that is ta ken by every true Neapolitan who loves his country, and who 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.:
 "We are serious in our projects
 "Bravissimor replied the bandit. ''But, per Baeco, my young master, you forget the Duke of Arcos has placed Naples in state of defense: the castle is full of culverins, which will spit out grape shot on you from the top to the bottom of it's bastions."
 "No matter" said Masaniello; II will DIdFC buS1T n6.
 Every good; but have you reflected, Sig nore Piscatore, on the immense number of reiters and lansquenets that fill the places Have you taken into calculation all the Span ish infantry and Castilian arquebusiers which occupy every post and fortress from the sea side to the furthest limits of the city? Don't you suppose that the viceroy will let all these military blood hounds loose on you? Corpo di Baccol you will be made mince meattof in the twinkling of an eye"
 'You may be deceived in your conject- ures, my honest bandit. The bare arm of the man of the people is worth more than the soldiers musket."
 Nonsense, mic carol the soldiers musket will send real bullets through the head of the man of the people, and, if you have nothing but your bare arm to rely on, the fish in the bay will shortly have the pleasure of devour- ing those by whom they are generally de- voured, and then your hoped for liberty goes to the devil"
 "But where am I to procure armsan said Masaniello, who began to yield to the bandits grotesque reasoning.
 "Arms, carissimo2 EhI eh! the bandit of Vesuvius could perhaps furnish you with a few. All we want is to come to an under sfo