Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1892-05-06


few strangers were to be met upon the
routes of northern Italy, therefore ]
settled myself down very comfortably
in the railroad coach, which contained
no one else. The first hour passed
pleasantly as we crossed the fertile
plains of Tuscany and then commenced
to creep up the mountains, to dive in
and out of long, dark tunnels, to
struggle over up7grades and to rush
down again on the opposite side.
Some of the widest scenery to be
met with in Europe salutes the eye of
the traveller at this point, varied with
deep gorges and rushing mountain
torrents, now and then descending into
sheltered valleys where the hillsides
are terraced and beautifully cultivated
by patient labor. Quaint old towers, a
ruined convent, a crumbling church
belfry, half-demolished castle of the
middle ages, the graceful arch of an
antique stone bridge and here and
there a splendid modern viaduct are
combined with the cver-varying picture.
while the snow-capped Apennines reach
far up on either hand until mingled
with and lost in the blue heavens.
BY and by the route descends into the
low-lying, long-reaching plains of We
netia, where the train glides over a
country as broad as a western prairie,
and where the large estates are divided
by alleys of tall Lombardy poplars. 1t
was at small way-station just here,
where the express train had stopped
for coal and water, that the door Of my
carriage was opened and a man entered,
taking the seat opposite to that which
/ occupied. l remarked that he had no
baggage with him, and concluded that
he was probably not going far. Yet,
as the express train stopped only when
its fuel and water were exhausted, L
knew that he must remain as my com
panion for two or three hours at least.
nodded politely to the individual as
he entered, the mere salute of strangers
upon being thrown into close eoDnec-
ton, and was little surprised to OBJ
serve that my courtesy was not re
turned. However, ! thought no more
of the matter for some moments, but
busted myself watching the attractive
scenes through which we were thread
ing our way with lightning-like speed.
Happening to glance toward my COM
panion, just after we had got fairly un-
der way, | caught his eyes regarding
me with singular intensity, and with
most sinister expression.
1t was difficult to understand this, as
we had not exchanged word, conse-
quently could not have offended him
in any way. Still, every time | met his
glance the same expression was mani
fest. except that it seemed to be in
ensiecd more and more every minute,
until presently l saw him take large
bladed knife from his pocket and open
ing it, he said, as he looked me full in
the face with savage intent:
Have you got the management OF all
these devils and reptiles?'
Devils and reptiles? Where?
"All about us; here on the seats, in
your lap, and creeping Up TO the win
dow there
''Oh! / understand you, now" said /,
instantly suspecting that the man was
deranged, and resolving what to do.
"Do you suppose l am going to sit
quietly here and let you put those crea-
lures on me?"
''By no MEANS" said /. "They have
been bothering me all the forenoon.
Here, give me your knife and let me
slaughter the vermin.
Thus seeming to fall in with his ideas,
and recognizing the presence of the
devils and reptiles all about us, Preached
out my hand and almost snatched his
knife from him. and pretended To cut
and slash in frightfpl manner.
Then l passed some minutes in SEEM
ing to throw the carcasSes out OF the
window, taking good care to send the
knife after them.
well, that's a comfort" said the
stranger, calming down considerably.
"You did that very well Stop! there
is one with awful, glaring eyes in that
corner. Sect sect secm and he trem-
bled all over as he. pointed to the cor
ner- of the coach.