Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1900-09-13

II IA els, and, seated upon
n EE3 projecting rock,
D 10 were entranced by
: M8 X the bewildering
~7--~v1-< blue of the Medi-
[-@FnsASst terranean. L Ii e
.~I breeze from the
~ j hills was ruff1ing
the blue into purple, and, further off,
where the sea was silvery green, the
distant mountains Of Corsica rose faint
ly from it's breast.
Jack" continued Cathcart, turning
to his valet, IAN hour hence it will be
dark and we have not yet struck upon
the hOspice of San Columbo, where
we thought Of spending the night"
We are on the right path" said the
valet, ''Of that | am sure; but three
good miles have yet to be done be
fore we get shelter"
Then we had better go on. The
shadows are beginning to darkcn the
valleys with their gloom
That is not our way said the
valet 1T is an unfrequented path.
You can see, sir, there are no footsteps
on it,
Cathcart examined the two paths,
and after some thought said:
Jack. you are right think"
The route selected led into mar
row gorge overhung by frowning prec
ipces. Twilight soon faded away and
darkness gradually encompassed the
travellers. Cathcart was a brave man
and cared little for danger; but Jack,
the valet, began to grow uneasy at
the situation. Two or three times they
saw q dim light in the distance, but
merely for Il moment. This was the
emily indication they had of life until
Il low whistle startled them.
Did YOU hear that asked Cath
cart. as he turned round and peered in
to the darkness behind.
There are no brigands here; so the
innkeeper told me. Indeed, | have left
my pistol behind me-"
Let us make off, cried the valet.
NO. said Cathcart, firmly. I'VE
must stand our ground. Here they
come"
AS he spoke two men of dark visage
came up. They wore long, loose
clOakS and SlOuched hats.
We have lost our way" said Cath
cart to the strangers. Can you point
out the path to San Columbo?'
We can answered both of the
voices. This is the road
All jOurncyed on together, Enrico, as
one of the strangers called himself, be
Guilcd the way with song until he
reached 4 mountain cavern.
I'VE are at San Columbia" he said.
"Glotto handcuff these men" And
Enrico produced Il heavy horse pistol,
and threatened to shoot at the first
man who made any resistance.
Cathcart and the valet were led man
aclCd into the mountain gorge. and.
making Il gradual descent, they found
themselves III an isolated hollow.
Around bright wood fire were scat
tered a motley group in strange cos
tunes. -Four sinister looking ruffians
were 1Ounging on the grass. Two or
three We're attending to the horses. An
ugly. haggard old woman, like a Pyth-
ian SOrcereSs, stirred pot which hung
over the fire.
We have really fallen into the hands
of robbers, Jack" whispered Cathcart.
In an instant the prisoners were
surrounded by the whole group.
Art thou an Englishman: asked
Enrico.
Il am" said Cathcart
"Then thou art rich like all thy
countrymen, and thou canst afford to
pay Il good price for thy ransom.
Brothers!' he added, what's to be the
TanSOm:'
Five thousand crowns,' chorused
the whole gang.
All Cathcart's valuables were taken
from him. but he was allowed to keen
q small portrait. which he earnestly
begged he might be allowed to retain
Three days were given 10 Cathcart
wherein to pay his ransom, and he and
his valet We're left alone by the fire.
As the prisoners talked over the sit
uation young girl appeared upon the
scene. bringing them some food. There
was al air of tenderness and compass
sion upon her face as she gazed on
the captives which inspired them with
hope.
How comes one so beautiful as YOU
among these mountain wilds:" asked
Cathcart.
My father is the captain OF our
band she answered, and | wait upon
his fortune, though l little like our
life"
Three days passed alternately in
hope and despair, Teresa becoming
hourly more friendly with Cathcart.
The ransom was not forthcoming.
and threats OF violence had been mut-
tered more than once, in menacine
tones. Cathcart could easily see that
lis situation was critical. and was az
Z loss to know the cause of the myS-
teIious DELAY.
On the fifth night Of his imprison-
mCnt he sax modify ut the, fire. His
memory reverted to his wife. ana he
opened the iocket containing her por-
trait.