The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1900-08-22

II were. sentranceQ Dy
~ the bewildering
j. 8r~~b blue of the Medi-
Ri fI>6SS3 terranean. 7
-~SI breeze from the
~ hills was ruf1ing
the blue into. purple, and. further OH,
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, "an 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. ss,
I'VE are on the right Faith said the;
valet. "of that / am sure; but thres
good miles have yet to be done be.
= fore we get shelter s
Then we had better go on. The
shadows are beginning to darken the
valleys with their gloom" ~"
'eThat is not our way" said the
valet. ''It is an unfrequented paa
You can see, sir, there are no footss
on
Cathcart examined the two paths,
and after some thoaght said: y,
"Jack, you are right, think.
The route selected led into mar
row gorge oyerhung by frowning prec-
ipices. Twilight soon faded away and
darkness gradually encompassed the
travellers. Cathcart was brave man
and cared little for dangey; but Jack,
the valet, began tos grow uneasy at
the situation. Two Or three times they
saw dim light in the>distance, but
merely for a moment. This was the
only indication they had Of life until
a low whistle startled them.
Did YOU hear that?' asked Cath
cart. as he turned round and pecred ill.,
to the darkness behind.
There are no brigands here: so the
innkceper 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.
I'VE 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 journeyed on together, Enrico. as
one of the strangers called himself, be-
guiled the way with song until he
reached mountain cavern.
I'VE are at San COlumho," he said.
"Glotto handcuff these men," And
Enrico produced heavy horse-pistol,
and threatened to shoot at the first
man who made any resistance
Cathcart and the valet were led man
acled into the mountain gorge, and,
making a gradual descent they found
themselves in an isolated hollow.
Around a bright wood fire were scat
tered motley group in strange cos
tunes. -Four sinister-looking rutfians
were lounging on the grass. Two or
three were attending to the horses. An
ugly, haggard old woman. like Pyth-
ian SorceTeSs, stirred pot which hung
over the fire.
eve have really fallen into the hands
of robbers. Jack" whispered Cathcart.
In an instant the prisoners We're
surrounded BY the whole group.
cart thou an EngliShman!" asked
Enrico.
II am" said Cathcart.
:" "Then thou art rich like all thy
countrymcn. and thou canst afford to
pay Il good price for thy ransom.
Brothers" he added, what's to be the
ransom!'
Five thousand crowns" chorused
the whole gang
All Cathcarts valuables were taken
from him, but he was allowed to keep
small portrait, which he earnestly
begged he might be allowed to retain.
Three days were given to Cathcart
wherein to pay his ransom. and he and
his valet were left alone by the fire.
AS the prisoners talked over the sit
SouiiS Sihi oEpSttS'l upVii
scene, bringing them some food. There
was an air Of tenderness and compass
sicn upon her face as she gazcd on
the captivcs which inspired them with
hope.
How comes one so beautiful rs you
among these mountain wilds:" asked
Cathcart.
My father is the captain Of on!
band" she answered. and wait upon
his fortune, though l little like cur
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 INIT.
tered more than once, in mcnacin2
tones. Cathcart could easily see that
his situation was critical, and was n
a loss to know the cause Of the mys
teri0uS delay.
On the fifth night of his imprison
menr he sat moodily ut tho fire. His
memory reverted to his wife. and he
opened the locket containing her por
trait.
While gazing at 1t Teresa entered