Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1899-10-08
Z The Rifle Ranger. The Scalp Hunter" &c.


| does so, saying:
"Signore. Try to get hold OF that,
and cut those cords. Do you think you
camp
Henry Harding, looking up, sees as
fair face as ever his eyes rested on;
fairer even than that of Belle Main
waring. There are two of them; but
one is behind the other more out in the
moons light, her beams shining soft
on its pale beauty. Gazing upon it,
thought strikes him he has somewhere
seen it before, though that can be only
fancy. Still, the thought engrossing
him, he forgets all about the knife and
the suggestion of what he has been di-
rected to do with it. This is recalled
70 him by another and different voice.
that of her in shadow, who repeats
words almost similar to those spoken.
DO so, Signore. Contrive to get at
the knife, and then"
"Zitto;" exclaims the other, inter-
rupting. See, Camilla, man coming
up the street. He may help us"
simultaneously they fix their eyes on
the individual thus indicated, who is
going at great speed, almost in run.
Before getting opposite he stops, and
they hear him utter cry which re-
semble5 the howl of wolf. A like one
responds to it from the Piazza where
the dancing is suddenly brought to an
end, confusion succeeding, with loud
talk. At the same instant the two SEN
tinels rush out of the house-having
heard, through the open door, that
well known signal-and they again
stand watchful by their captive waiting
to learn the cause of alarm.
Not long. In less than sixty seconds
they see their chief coming towards
them in hot haste. Soon as within
hearing he calls out:
Bring on your bundle, and be quick.
Those cursed soldati have got upon our
track. Prestoi Pres Madonna mia!"
he exclaims, changing tone, as, with
eyes directed upwards, he beholds the
beautiful face of Lucetta Torreani.
For in the excitement she had not
thought of her own danger, and still
stands in the loggia, looking down.
"Ho, ho." calculates the bandit.
Whats this? Beauty in the balcony,
while I've been dancing with the trulls
of the street. Pardon me, signorina.
I'm sorry not to have seen you before,
else should have asked you out for my
partner. Too late now, at least, for
this little trip on the fantastic toe, but
All, we'll, you won't listen to me any
further?"-this as the young lady, with
disdainful yet frightened air, turns
and retreats inside. Perhaps" he
calls after, eve may meet again, when
you won't be so cruel. Many a fair
maid has scorncd the addresses of Cor
vino, afterwards to receive them with
warmth"
He leaves unfinished his ELUSIVE
apostrophe. seeing she is beyond ear
shot, Come on" to the men in charge
of the captive, hastens back to the
Piazza.
Sciaccia and Giacomo. having loosed
his leg fastenings, follow with their
prisoner, the disappointed Beppa shut
ting the door with slam, and double
betting it,.vowing as she does so she
will never let stranger enter that house
again.
In ten minutes after, the bandits are
out of Val di orno, leaving the village
TO its wonted tranquility. But no
more thought of "gatto cieco" for that
night as the people &C tie place, now
assured of the true character of their
late visitors. by hearing these are pur-
sued by soldiers, apprehend almost as
much danger, and far more trouble,
from the pursuers.
Not much hope from them has Ca
milla Buonofanti, nor Lueetta Torreani,
as, sitting up late for the Sirdico's re-
turn, they talk over the chances of es-
cape for the ''poyere cattivo." the sig
norma several times anxiously asking:
20 Camilla! do you think they'll kill
him?"