Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1899-10-01

lclHptAlS 10 eScdpS
Nor does he, till after delivering the
blow. Then the thought strikes him to
make a dash into the darkness and
, take the chances.
But the risk is too great. For now
all are afoot, forming around him their
guns cleaning in the freight. more
than one bearing upon his breast.
Too late for fight; he would only be
shot down. He, therefore. does not at
tempt it; instead. stands still, erect as
after striking his insulter TO the earth.
Only for an instant is he in this at
tBtude. Seized Simultaneously by half
a-dozen of the bandits, he is first throt-
tied, then flung to the ground. with
brutal violence that stuns, and for a
time deprives him of consciousness.
On recovering it, he finds himself
again fastened hand and foot, more
firmly and deliberately than ever, with
legs dashed from ankle to hip-the
wrists as before, but with a tighter tie.
Around are the robbers, now all on the
alert, talking and gesticulating. their
faces in the red hight showing savage
and scowling. he might fancy himself
in Tartarus, amidst fiends engaged in
some Internal quarrel.
On regaining his senses, his first
thought is of the last man he saw
before him, and, when seen, lying at
some distance off. standing beside the
chief. For the fracas has also drawn
Corvino out of his wraps. The two
are face 20 face, carrying on a con-
versation that appears earnest and
interesting to both.
1t does not last long; and, when
over, Doggy Dick sinks aside, while
the capo. approaching, stoops over the
now PROSTATE prisoner.
so, so, signor,' he begins, his jocu-
lar air and tone of raillery still un-
changed. 1T appears you've been tell
ing me no end of stories, and all sorts
of them, except those that are true
Well, in one way, I'm glad it is so, as
you should be yourself. Poor painter,
indeed! I'm delighted to hear you're
nothing of the kind-lucky, too, my
learning it in time. Corpo di Baeco!
what close shave it's beenl Why, l
was near as nothing to letting you so
| again, not caring to be bothered with
you. True, we wanted to see our
been dispensed with; and, full of other
affairs since thrown on my hands, l
was going to let you off, without requir-
ing your company any further. Now
things are changed altogether. wish
you to write me letter of introduce
ton.
ITO whom?" asks the artist, puzzled
by the odd application, ana some little
alarmed by it.
spends the bandit chief; a response
which left his captive still painfully
perplexed.
A letter of introduction! Why should
Corvino want that, and for what pur-
pose?
While still puzzling his brain, the
chief resumes speech, saying:
Now. signor, you'll put down what
indite, first translating into your native
tongue. Now, begin by giving the ad-
dress. That's the usua, mode in the
mountains here, and for a business let
ter the best. IL Signor General Hard
ing"
MY father!" exelaims the captive,
with start you visa me to write to
him."
Most certainly / do"
Il shall not" firmly Dronounces rhe
artist, letting fall the pen.
MOI"
"No!"
"Ha, ha, hal" scorafully laughs the
bandit; you're face,ious, my friend.
But don't carry the joke too far. DO
you know what refusal will cost
you?"
Il care not"
Indeed Well see
Saying which, he drags pistol from
his belt; looks to see that the cap Is.
on; then, cooking AMI raising it to the
level, says
Take up the pen and write all / tell
you. Refuse, and I'll send your brains
over that sheet Of paper, II you prefer
having it despatched with them in
stead of ink, you shall have your
choice. l give you five minutes 20
make up your mind-not a second
more. But ave minutes you shall have,
and by yoxw own watch. SO you can
feel confident abous Tie time being
true"
The bandit pulls out the watch he
has appropriated, and, holding it up TO
his eyes, stands waiting.
Harding, though brave as a lion,
knew no courage could stand good
against such peril Besides, after all.