Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-09-20
CHAPTER xxx.

AS said, the artist has risen to his
feet, and stands regarding the intruders,
though not in any doubt as to who and
what they are-bandits to a certainty.
The presence of the 'pifferari," in
stead OF making improbable, confirms
it; for in place of musical instruments,
these versatile individuals now carry
guns and pistols-are, in short, armed
and accoutered like the others. Nor is
it less a band of robbers. that among
also appears the peasant with whom he
so lately parted, and two OF three OF
those seen below at the vineyards-all
likewise armed.
For a while there is silence on both
sides; only few seconds, as when on
the stage a new scene is presented.
and the action stayed to receive the
plaudIts of the spectators. Tt is broken
by the bandit chief, who, resuming his
free-and-easy fashion, says:
pray, keep your seat, signore, and
don't let the presence of these gentle
men disturb you. They're all friends
Of mine, as you see. Indeed, | take it
as but a sorry compliment to myself,
your having sat still and taken things
so smoothly, now looking so alarmed!
However, / am not at all piqued; and
would have you tranquilize yourself so
that you can proceed with the picture.
You see my models, and are. l trust,
satisfied with them?'
ooh, perfectly" answers the artist,
his confidence somewhat restored by
the brigand's manner, and speaking in
like cavalier Style
well being So" retorts the bandit
sneeringly, Il suppose you're willing
to make likenesses of us all? By this,
take it you've got over your objee-
tions to portrait-painting l thought
you would
The sneer rekindles the young Eng
lishman's indignation. Never before
had he submitted to being bullied, or
even insulted, without retaliating. 1t
is a new experience to him, and so I'M
pleasant that were there but three of
them instead of ten he would not
stand 1t for an instant. But the odds
are overwhelming; even were he armed
to the teeth; to resist would be sheer
insanity; as also TO attempt escape.
Either could but end awkwardly. per-
haps fatally for him. Sure of this. he
takes counsel from discretion; and, as
Stunning an Indifference he is far from
feeling, answers in the affirmative. He
will paint their portraits.
''Bene!" exolaims the bandit chief.
"And now, signore, the stage being set,
it but remains to place the dramatls
personae. That / leave to your superior
taste as an artist. You can group us
in the way most agreeable to yourself
or consonant with the idea of art.
Seated, standing. or reclining, you'll
find us steady as rocks; and for what
you painters call picturesque effect, I'll
back my scoundrels for giving such
against ahy other set in all Italy
A burst of laughter from the men
thus eulogized interrupts the ludicrous
dissertation.
"Silenzio!" commands their chief;
soon as silence is restored. continuing
80, signore pittore, set US as you
please. Though not specially painter
of portraits, as you've told me, I've no
doubt you can do something pretty good
in that line All we ask OF you is to
give fair and faithful likenesses. Don't
make Us BACKED than we areas those
ragged fellows who write for the news
papers ere pleased to depict us. The
scurvy scribblers are always slanderlng
u.s. You may thank your lucky stars
you're not one OF them Were it your
profession to WELD the pen, instead of
the pencil, by this you'd have been
swinging from that branch above your
head But, enough We're ready to
pose aG your pleasure. Only instruct
us where to CO. with the attitudes we're
to assume, and we'll give you tableau
good as you can get in any of the city
theatres, its only defect being the alb
sence of the fair sex-a want We can't
Just now remedy, though regretted by
every man upon the ground
At this fresh jeu d'esprit, the bandits
again displayed their white teeth, go
ing off into a guffaw. And again the
chief commands 'Silenziol" adding:
Its no laughing matter this, men,
but business, serious business. AS you
all see, the gentleman is an artist He
draws landscapes, and I've no doubt in
the very best style, as he has all the
look of being clever. He was about
commencing upon this-and very fine
scene it is-when my coming up in
terrupted him. l should apologize for
that, as also for having overheard
conversation the gentleman was hold
ing with himself, saying how greatly
he desired some figures to put into the
picture by way of giving it variety;
making special mention of his prefer
ence for men of our stamp; Offering