Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1899-10-15
CHAPTER Xiv.
SLOW PIIRSIEIRS-

OBOW HUhO UEftS.
The village of Val di Orno, long so
quiet and undisturbed has become the
scene of exciting events, which crowd
one another in quick succession. Never
has it known such stirring times, or,
not since medieval days, when it's feu-
datory lords-Orsinis or whoever they
Were-used to muster their warlike vas
sails under its castle walls.
First, there is the invasion of Cor
vino and his bandits, fortunately for the
Val-di- Ornians, of a friendly character,
while to the townspeople profitable;
their stay cut short sooner than some
wished it-among these the owner of
the inn. Following in pursuit comes
a squadron of cavalry. no other than
Captain Guardiola and his carabinieri.
These, however, arrive neither so soon
as expected, nor depart as early as the
Val-di-Ornians would desire. Instead
of that same night, it is the evening of
the third day after the abrupt depar-
ture of the brigands when the pursuing
soldiers make their appearance in the
remote mountain town, having been
delayed in taking up the trace of the
robbers. One whole day was spent ere
discovering their abandoned bivouac on
the Platone, and two more on the
march thence to Val di Orno. Slow
marching-not more than twenty miles
in two days especially for a party in
pursuit. True there could be urged
some excuse in the character of the
roads, mostly mountain paths, difficult
for men on horseback. Still, twenty
four hours might have sufficed, and
would, had the pursuit been earnest.
Which it is not, the noble Court caring
less for the recovery of the gentleman's
stolen chattels than for his own person
al comfort, with some thought besides
about his personal safety.
1t is close upon shutdown of the third
day as he enters Val di Orno, and rides
up the street at the head OF his troop;
this not struggling nor mudbespattered
enemy but spick and span every boot
shining, every spur glancing brightly
as on a parade. And little else is it,
for the Count has long ago given up
hope, if he ever had any, of overtaking
lily. turning the troublesome task into
pleasant pastime-an excursion through
districts where the scenery is sublime;
and, what pleases him more, towns
where he sees many pretty faces. AS
the presence of soldiers is a somewhat
rare event in the Roman villagetinura,
the captain of carabineers has the adj
vantage of It's novelty. and his splendid
uniform is greeted by the gratifed
smiles of many an unsophisticated
maiden, which ne supposes meant for
himself.
Riding up the main street of Val di
Orno, he sends inquiring glances on
every side, not door or window escap-
ing him, but for some time without
seeing a face he deems worthy of
second look.
At length, however, his irquisitive
scrutiny is rewarded. In a loggia bal
cony overleaning the street, some fifty
PAGES further on, he observes two fig
ures that claim his attention. They
are young girls, judging by the style
of the house, entitled to the appella-
ton, ladies' He is yet too far off to
determine the character of their faces,
but such splendid forms should have
everything in symmetrical proportion.
He will soon see.
Putting on his proudest look, and
squirting his charger into a prancing
gait, he continues on, his eyes the while
bent upon the balcony. Just then, to
his surprise, with somewhat of chagrin.
he sees one of the girls turn her back
upon him and retire, hastily stepping
inside. The other remains, but with
face for the time averted, looking after
her who has gone in; to all appearance
also surprised at her companions be-
havior. and in hesitation whether she
will follow
She stays, however, and, again turn
| ing her eyes to the street. looks down
at the advancing troop. It's leader has
now a full view of her face. and, soon
as seeing it, cares not for the other,
but forgets all about her. for he is