The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1894-01-06
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A ABRIGAND'SDAUGHTER In BELGRAVIA
From Belgravia.

CHATTER /.
aWhat a handsome portrait, Fred
Who was your model p
my wife" responded Fred Wynton, as
he followed his friends gaze of admiration
to- portrait standing on an easel in his
studio.
'Your wife! What, are you married
then p queried Henry Aubert, as he look
ed in surprised manner at his friend.
GU made no mention of the subject to
me when We parted at Milan a year ago.
l always thought you were too careless a
fellow to settle down prosy Benedict,
Fred.
so l thought" was the response, 'but
that was before my adventures in Corsica.
! had quite romantic as well as exciting
time of it after leaving you. In fact, [
have only been in England month.
May hear the circumstances which
brought about such change in you P"
asked Henry Aubert, with smile, as he
leaned back in low chair and took prof
fered cigar
by all means, old follow only mind,
no ehaff afterwards" said Fred Wynton.
And sitting down by the long French win
dow, he faced his friend and began the
narrative of his adventures
"You remember [ told you when we
parted that morning at Milan that | in-
tended to indulge in couple of months
shooting in Corsica? Well, on my arrival
at the home of big game and banditti, |
proceeded to put my wishes into practice.
had obtained, as [ thought, a trustworthy
guide in the person of Luigo Cospi, who
had offered me his assistance shortly after
my arrival. He knew the island thoroughly,
and also how to avoid the districts infested
by mountain robbers. So, on the recon-
mendation Of my host, who was evidently
in league with him, as | found out after
ward, l engaged his services.
'Matters went we'll enough for couple
of weeks. My guide was a splendid shot,
careful attendant, and apparently faithful
We had traversed a considerable distance
one day, when, as l fell exceedly weary, l
lay down to rest in shady nook, leaving
Cosp on guard with his loaded carbine
The steady tramp of my attendant as he
paced to and fro gradually produced a
drowsiness l closed my eyes and was soon
fast asleep.
"How long my slumber lasted am un-
able to say, but the sun had gone down
when l awoke, and in the twilight my eyes
rested on several forms standing close by
in animated conversation. They were
gathered round my guide, who was gestic-
ulating and talking excitedly. Hearing
my name pronounced by him, endeavored
to raise my right hand to rub my eyes,
when, to my surprise, found myself una
bic to do so. Looking down observed
that coil of rope, evidently part of lariat
which Cospi had used occasionally during
the past two weeks, was twined several
times round my waist and secured my
arms firmly to my side. | struggled to my
feet and was instantly observed by the mis-
creants, one of whom presented his carbine
at my head, threatening sudden death if l
ventured to resist, which, in my bound
condition, was not likely to have much
opportunity to do.
g'Have you betrayed me, Cospi? l
calculated, looking Indignantly at my quon-
dam guide.
"For reply he shrugged his shoulders,
and then said in an apologize tone: L
serve my chief, Espaldo; all are his enc
mics save who serve him.
s'What do you intend to do with me p
| asked.
awe march tonight to the chief S head
quarters whose prisoner you are, responded
Cospi You will be treated with due re-
spect on the route, provided that you ac-
cept the inevitable and make no effort to
escape
''The distance p asked laconically.
Fifteen English miles We hope to
arrive about four o'clock That is one
hour after sunrise, replied Cospi.
"Preyious to our departure, my right
arm was unbound while partook of some
coarse bread and fruit, washed down with
little sour wine, in spite of the peril in
which | felt myself placed, could not help
feeling keen interest in the scene in which
| unfortunately played 50 prominent a part
The night was cool, and the brigands had
improyised fire of the dead wood which
lay so plentifully to hand, and the ruddy
CLEANS Of the burning wood lit up the foli.