Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1899-09-10
NAME YOUR PRICE,

NAhE lO01 fHlOE.
At sight of the individual thus uncere-
~moniously introducing himself, the first
feeling of the artist is one of supreme
establishment. not unmingled with al
arm. But his surprise is the stronger
of the two, almost causing him to doubt
the evidence of his sense and give ere
dence to his imagination. He was
wishing for a bandit. and behold, one
is before him. The thing itself-its
very b~au ideal-as if conjured up by
the wish, father to his fancy.
Only for an instant does the illusion
last. The place, the occasion, the incl
dents that seemed odd, the scraps of
conversation that mystiied him, all
crowding back into his mind, tell that
Imagination has naught to do with 1t,
but that the figure before him is not
only substantial flesh and blood, but a
veritable bandit. Could he have any
lingering doubts Of it they are dispelled
by the stranger continuing the dis
course, a short pause having occurred
after the initiatory question.
"You appear a little surprised, signor
pittore, and by your looks somewhat
dissatisfied. That's strange, consider
ing that just now you were expressing
a desire to have an Italian bandit for
your sitter. | think | understood 1t so.
Nay, you appeared anxious for tin
fact, quite mad, offering no end OF
money! By the way, you haven't said
how much? State the sum-let me
know your figure-and perhaps | can
accommodate you. l latter myself I'm
rather a fine specimen Of the genus
banditto and species Italiano, the sort
you seem to admire most. Come!
speak your price!"
Not yet recovered from his mingled
surprise and alarm, the artist makes no
rejoinder.
well never mind the money now"
goes on the other; well bargain about
II DY-d1u-D1t. EOl NC d6Shi CAf SioAONN
that in my own person | can supply
you with the genuine article, n no
counterfeit whatever. That don't call
upon you to fall 'Faccia in terral' the
usual custom in such cases, is because
of my having a profound respect for
men of your profession. All the more
that as a rule your pockets are not
worth rifing. Still, to let you go scot
free would be a generosity the poorest
instance l feel like making an excep-
ton; and if you'll give ms a good por-
trait of myself-just as you see me, 40
matter about the scenery and surround
ings-In let you depart in peace, and
you can either return to Rome or con-
tinue on to Val di Orno, about which |
hear you've been making inquiries"
This last remark removes from the
travellers mind all uncertainty as TO
the sort of parsonage who stands be-
fore him. His presence explains the
singular behavior both of pifferari and
peasants, making good the suspicious
twice entertained, but as often aban-
doned. Neither their conduct nor con-
versation seems strange now, but alto
gether natural, in everything accounted
for. All three are spies, 1t may be con-
federates, Of this jaunty gentleman,
protesting himself a robber, and have
since held communication with him.
The retrospect thus detailed passes
through the artists mind in far less
time than has been taken to tell OF *.
In fact, it is but a flash of thought.
everything revealed in an instant.
At first excited. he soon recovered
composure, and shows 1t by refusing
to comply with the robbers request.
Were it a request he might take ii in
a different way. but made as a demand
which 1t substantially is-it strikes
him disagreeably; jarring upon his ear,
rousing his British blood, and incIining,
indeed resolving, him TO resist it. He
making ii. in addition to the splendor
Of his habiliments, has a fierce, iormid-
able look. Still, he is only one, and
Henry Harding. a university athlete,
deems himself match for any single
man in the world. Were 1t a question
Of strength, courage and activity. he
need have no fear OF the particular fell
low before him; but then there Is that
ugly carbine and those nasty pistols,
while all he himself has in the way OF
offensive weapons is a cudgel and clasp
knife. Withal, he is not dismayed, and
his fast-rising indignation-due as
much as anything else to the sneering
manner Of the bandit-determines him
to resistance. Despite their inequality
OF weapons he will risk the chances
Of an encounter, rather than submit TO
such staggering treatment Though
agitated be longer shows sign of it. To
appear scared, or in way intimidatec,
would be all the worse for him. and,