The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-09-30
Select STORY,
THE HOUSE OF A TRAITOR.
From the Argonaut.


lived about half league from the thick
and bushy maquis of Porte Vecchio. He
was quite rich for that country, living
"nobly," in Corsican phrase Chat is to say,
without working himself, from the pro-
duce of his hocks, which the shepherds, a
kind of nomadic race, pastured here and
there in the mountains When saw him,
about two years after the events l am
about to relate, he appeared about fifty
years old, at the most. Imagine small,
but robust man, with crisp, curly hair,
black as jet, an aquiline nose, thin lips,
large bright eyes, and skin of deep tan
color. His skill in shooting passed for
something extraordinary, even in his coun-
try, where there are so many good shots.
He was said to be as good friend as he
was dangerous enemy, and, besides being
neighborly and charitable, he lived in peace
with all the world, in the district of Porte
Vecchio.
But it was also told of him, when at
Corte, where he had married his wife, that
he had rid himself in vigorous manner
of a rival, who was as much dreaded in
war as in love-at least, certain shot,
which much surprised this rival, as he
was shaving before little mirror hung to
his window, was attributed to Mateo The
affair having died out, Mateo married,
His wife had brought him at first three
daughters Ito his great rage), and finally a
son, whom he named Fortunate. He was
the hope of the family, the heir to the
name, The girls were all well marriedi
their father gould reckon, when needed,
upon the daggers and earbines of his sons
in-law. The boy was only ten years old,
but of promising character.
One fine day in autumn, Mateo went
early with his wife to visit one of his focks
in clearing in the maquis. The little
Fortunate desired to go with him, but the
clearing was too far of, and, besides, some
one must remain to guard the hpuse-so
the father refused.
He had been gone some hours, and
little Fortunate was lying quietly in the
sun, gazing at the blue mountains and
thinking how he was going to dine next
Sunday in the town with his uncle, when
his meditations were suddenly interrupted
by guu-shot. He jumped up and turned
toward the side of the plain, whence pro-
ceeded this noise. Several shots followed
at irregular intervals, approaching nearer
and nearer, till suddenly, in the path which
led from the plain to Mateo's house, ap-
peared man wearing long beard and a
pointed cap; he was covered with rags, and
dragged himself painfully along leaning Oh
his gun. He had just been shot in the
thigh
This man was an outlaw who, having
gone during the night to buy powder in
the town, had on his way fallen into am-
buscade of Corsican police, After vigor-
our defence, he had succeeded in making
good his retreat, hotly pursued and firing
from rocS to rock, But he was not far in
advance of the soldiers, and his wound
made it impossible for him TO reach the
maquis before being caught
He approached Fortunate and said to
him: "You are the son of Mateo Fal-
Gomez"
''Yes, said the boy
81 am Giannetto Sanpiero. The soldiers
are after me. Hide me, for l can go no
further
"And what will my father say If | hide
you without his permission?"
''He will say you have done well"
"Who knows?"
Glide me quickly they are coming!"
"Wait until my father comes back"
eWaitl Curses on you! They will be
lere in five minutes. Come! hide me, or |
will kill your
Fortunate replied with the greatest cool
less: "Yonr gun is not loaded, and there
ire no more cartridges in your belt.
Il have my stiletto--"
"But can you run as fast as l can?" and
he boy darted off, and placed himself out
If the bandits reach
"You are not Mateo Falcone's son
Win you let me be arrested before the
loor Of your house?'
The child appeared moved with compass
ion.
@What will you give if hide you?" he
aid, drawing nearer.
The outlaw fumbled in leathcrn pocket,
which hung from his belt, and drew from
a fve-franc piece, which he had doubt
sss saved for the purchase of powder.
Fortunate smiled at the sight of the money,
nd seizing it, said to Gianuetto
"Fear nothing. win hide you well.
Then he made great hole in heap of