The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-12-01

to the north of Montespertoli, or at Ponte
a Elsa, each of which places was particu-
lsrly suited for an ambuscade, although, of
course, considering their numbers, the at
tempt might be made elsewhere, and open
ly, without very much danger. So with
another hunGied word of warning to Jacopo,
and holding my sword ready, galloped
along, increasing the pace as much as pos
sible, whenever we went past . ciump of
trees, and both of US keeping as sharp
lookout al the light, or rather darkness,
permitted. We avoided the regular ford
of the Resa on the Montespertoli road,
crossing higher up in the direction of Monte
lupo, and here got a good wetting, for the
water was deeper than we anticipated. Had
Ceci and his friends only lain in wait for
Us at this point, we should have had no
chance: As it happened, however, We had
taken a zig-zag route, which had either
thrown them off the track entirely, or we
should meet them further on, either at one
of the two spots mentioned by me, or in
some other equally convenient locality. At
any rate, we were safe for the present, and
that was something to be thankful for, even
if we were in darkness. So my thoughts
ran on as we scrambled somehow to the
opposite bank of the Resa, and CROPPED our
way up until we felt soft grass under our
feet, for we had dismounted on fording the
stream, and led our horses by their brides
up the steep left bank. Here we called a
halt, determined to await the moon, and
Jacopo managed somehow to tether the
horses, fastening the halters to the stump
Of tree he discovered by stumbling against,
and on which he wasted some of those curses
he was SO anxious for me to reserve for my
enemies. After giving the horses their feed,
which they nosed out readily enough de-
spite the darkness, he joined me where sat
on the grass trying to dry, and wrapping up
the lock of his arquebus in a wooden cap,
which he produced, to keep it from damp,
he took his seat beside me at my invita-.
ton.
1t was fall-to now, to our supper, and
adding my store to my faithful followers
supply l sunk distinctions of rank, and
we enjoyed meal, with hearty content
ment that had been stranger to me for
many a day. When the last drop OF wine
in the bottle was finished, and we had
picked our last bone, Jacopo arose with a
sigh.
Before supper, excellency, I was ready
to eat and then fight my way through an
army; now, beshrew me, if sound nap
OF an hour or so is not much to my taste!"
I could not forbear smiling, but did not
rise to the hint, and when our horses were
saddled again, and every buckle and strap
examined with the minutest care, we mount
ed and set off. AS although we both we'll
knew the direct road to Leghorn, but were
not acquainted with the district so as to
correctly pursue our way by moonlight, de-
cided to run the gauntlet of the ambuscade,
if there was any, and take the risk of COM
ing off with whole skin, to the certainty of
losing our track by CHANGING short cuts,
s1-l. srlk b. IL
where! Now that we were once more on
through the silent night. The way led for
some distance over an uneven plain, COW
cred with multitude of white stones, that
shone in the moonlight like water. The
plain gradually narrowed to where it was
intersectcd by chain of low hills, and it
was in crossing these that we should have
to ride through a narrow gut, and possibly
meet our danger. AS we approached the
hills, the short, stunted foliage that tufted
the plain changed to half-grown forest.
in the midst of which the road wound, and
here we waited for a second, whilst Jacopo
examined his piece to see that all was Alright,
and gingerly blew at the match thereon,
to give the fire little strength. This be-
ing done, we proceeded with the greatest
caution, riding one behind the other, and
going slowly, as we feared pitfall of some
kind among the trees Luckily there was
none, and at last we got out of the i'm
mediate presence of the forest, and into the
gut, where the precipice rose high on each
side of US. All was rock and stone, but the
road was fairly even, q trap could have
been seen, and going slow a mistake here,
so we clapped spurs to the horses and sent
them along, and although momentarily ex-
pecting to see the flash of an arquebus, we
were agreeably disappointed, and got out
of the passage without mishap of any kind.
Amino! Signore, we are out of this, and
tonight will not be bread for the teeth of
these brigands;" and Jacopo, whose hors.
had carried him q little in advance, drew
rein to let me come up, and we rode out of
the tail of the pass.
wood yet" and pointed to where dip in
the ground showed there was a small
stream, and on the opposite bank the road
again led into forest land.
"And was just going to beg your wor-
ships leave to troll a CATCH" said Jacopo;
and as he uttered these words we FLASHED
into the shall stream before us. Almost
at this moment my horse neighed shrilly,
and an answering neigh from the wood be.
fore us rang out into the night.
Crack! Crack! Two red tongues of fire
licked out from the darkness of the trees, we
heard the loud report of firearms, and a
brace of balls sang past, unpleasantly close
to my head.
[To BE Continued