Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1891-07-04

"Be not uneasy, grlnnlngly remark
ed brawny tatterdemalion, who
seemed to be in chief authority. "No
harm shall come to you if you are
docile.'
He then waved his hand, and was
carried away, after being blindfolded.
felt myself being borne down stairs,
and then thrust into some sortof con-
veyance. Word was given, there was
a scramble of hoofs. and then was
being jolted alongover the rough lava
pavements of the narrow, steep and
sinuous streets peculiar to the quar-
ter.
Afteg awhile the way grew smoother,
but still steep now up, now down
and from the increased GOODNESS of the
air l realized that we were out of the
city, and even beyond the suburbs,
among the wild mountain roads OF
the interior.
Ii had been in any doubt as to the
object of my abduction, it would soon
have been dissipated by the coffVer-
sation OF the rascals who were still
with me.
was in the clutch OF mountain bri-
gands, with the design of securing or
forcing from my supposed prophetic
lips the winning numbers of the APP
preaching lottery drawing.
And, after little reflection, resol-
we'd to make the best ofmy unique pre-
dicament, in the faint hope that it
might assist me upon my secret quest.
After three hours hard travelling we
reached the brigands' cave, were the
gag and hoodwink were removed, and
was at once questioned as to the
winning numbers, in the glare oftorch-
es and surrounded by dozen or more
of the MISUNDERSTANDING fair but
treacherous Nita-the greater number
of whom must have made their way
thither on foot.
not only protested that had no
revelations to make, but Indignantly
berated them for the disrespect to my
person.
They laughed or cursed my responses
to scorn, while the muscular scoundrel
who seemed to be their leader, and
whom they addressed as .signor,
shrugged his shoulders philosophically.
Time enough" he said. "Iou can
think over our modest request during
the night"
My bonds were then partly loosen
ed, and | was thrown into dirty
little dungeon-like cave, where, with
such sleep as l could obtain, was
kept under guard until daylight.
They then hauled me out, placed me
in their midst, and, while they RECALLED
themselves with bread and wine, asked
me, with mock solicitude, if | was not
| hungry. replied in the affirmative.
Good" said their leader. "Impart
to us the winning figures, and you
shall share with as of the best; other
wise you starve."
Having already studied their faces
severally without discovering one that
might belong to my fugitive, of whose
personal appearance | was provided
with pretty thorough description,
again insisted that had nothing to
reveal.
My bonds were frightened afresh, and
| was once more cast into the dungeon.
Similar treatment was repeated at
noon, and persisted in holding out
against it, though by this time really
faint from hunger.
'"Time flies, and is therefore prec.
ious," observed the leader, frownine
angrily, and at the same time picking
his teeth with a stiletto. 'fLook you
now-we are very poor, and those
winning figures are indispensable to
us. One more chance will be afforded
you to reveal them through this
means" He pointed to the food and
wine they were again discussing among
them. Should you still prove stub
born
He twirled the stiIetto in one hand,
while significantly scratching one o.
his ears with the other, whereupon his
subordinate ruffians burst into q
savage laugh.
sit is only just" cried Nita. etc
be crop-eared Will be no worse than &c
be tongue-tied. II Pietro were here
he would agree with me"
The italicised words were a new hope
to me as they once more thrust me in
to the Jagged rock cell, with theil
curses and brutal laughs, not neglect
ing to add a thump or kick or two al
parting.
When | was again dragged forth by
my tormentors at sunset, | was very
IdlHI, anu SO hungry LndU might nave
eaten side Of beef, but my hear
gave secret leap OF Joy.
Pietro Malasso was now anon.
them. recognized him from the de
scription in an instant; and from tn,
intimate relations that seemed tt
exist between. them, / doubted no
that he was Nita's husband.
still persisted in my ignorance
however, not only with the tempting
food and wine again under my nose
but until they had thrown me down
and the leaders sharp stiletto was al
ready tickling my left ear as begin
!, ming towards the consummation o
his threat.
Then | made great pretence 0
: weakening at last.
: Hold on, signorw ] cried. "Giv
me sustenance, and will try to salts
~ you"
! Instantly | was unbound, even cares
, sed, and with the best that they coulr
, offer before me, handsome Nita especi
ally exerting herself to make amend