The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1894-01-06

including Cospi, sat in their picturesque
garb, sharing the rough repast of which |
was partaker. At intervals, through the
foliage [ caught glimpses OF the two brig
ands who kept watch as they marched
backward and forward with their carbines
in readiness should any unforeseen chance
necessitate their use.
"'We must commence our journey, your
excellency,' said Cospi, shortly after the
meal was concluded.
q 1 am ready l responded, and rose to
my feet. submitting to the rebinding Of
my right arm to my side, as I felt resistance
was useless.
"Cospi headed the small column, then
came two of the banditti next marched,
followed by two more of my guard, whose
rear was brought up by single brigand.
1t was a long journey through the rough
country, for my captors carefully agsided
the beaten tracks, and long before the
journey was over felt weary, but the
steady march of my guards never wavered.
Morning, with its glorious sunrise, had
dawned for fully an hour when became
aware that We were approaching the bandit
chiefs abode.
"'Your exccllcncy must submit to be
blindfolded,' said Cospi, who now left the
head of the column, and suiting the action
to the word placed brightly colored silk
scarf across my eyes, which left me in to-
tai darkness.
"Steered by my former servant, and now
my captor, l stumbled on for some time,
then became aware of being in close
atmosphere The bandage was removed
from my eyes. | was in the presence of
the chief, Espaldo.
CHAPTER IL.
after few minutes, during which my
eyes were becoming used to the light,
began to comprehend the various objects
around was evidently in natural cave,
from the roof of which hung long stalac-
tites At the far end of the cave was a
ruddy gleam of light, which I concluded
came from the sky, as the air seemed to
blow fresher toward that part and to re-
lieve me somewhat from the closeness which
| had observed on entering the cave The
sea was evidently near at hand, for could
distinctly hear the waves as they broke
against the shore, which re-echoed with
their beating and dashing against it.
'sThe cave itself was extremely long and
apparently stored with the proceeds of the
spoils of both land and sea. Carpets, rugs
and tapestry of all descriptions lay pro-
fusely around, while the walls were adorned
with rude carving done in idle hours, and
interspersed with weapons of defense, con-
sisting Of carbines, short, wide=bladed
swords, curved scimitars and some curious
looking two handed weapons. Upon pile
of carpet and skin lay the chief, dark,
handsome man, fully fifty years of age
Ranged round him were carbineeIs, with
here and there woman's face adorned with
long earrings and gay-colored shawls On
left and right of the chief dais the atten-
dants ranged, and along the cave Through
the pathway thus made | was led into Es-
paldo's presence.
"Cospi, carbine in hand, stood at my
right. Behind were two of my guard
The rest had joined the number who filed
the sides of the cave
"The confused murmur of voices died
away as Espaldo, raising himself, directed
a keen glance at me and inquired Your
name, captive?"
Frederick Scott Wynton, respond
ed, meeting his glance with all the calm
ness and fortitude could command.
"'Your are an Englishman, if | may
judge from your aceent?' continued the
chief.
az am proud to own that this is the
fact, replied
"Your profession"
'Artist-that is to say, I paint little.
and also carve, occasionally, in stone.
'Do you understand why you have been
brought here"
81 presume that some ransom may be
obtained for my release, answered.
Precisely. What ransom are you pre-
pared to offer?' questioned Espaldo.
al have no suggestion to make re-
sponded.
My visit to this island was purely of
friendly description. You rob me of lib
erty, the dearest right Of my countrymen,
but | do not recognize your authority to
do So
"Espaldos face flushed crimson, and he
made hasty motion to Cospi, who led me
toward an opening on the left, my guard
following. stopped at the entry, my
heart beating violently as wondered what
the effect of my rash speech would be-
Cospi, seeing me hesitate to enter the side
chamber-which had been evidently ex-
cavated, judging from the regularity of its
sides and roof-exclaimed
"'Your Excellency need fear nothing at
present; our chief is about to consult as to
the conditions to be offered you for your
release.
Entering this stone apartment discov-
cred it to be one apparently used for the
devotion of this lawless band. Crime and
superstition are handmaids in the Gorsi-
cans life, At the far end was apparently
an altar, the centerpiece of which was
large representation of the Cruci6xion