The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1900-08-23

s---z=sssHaIAsnSl terranean. L II q
-@11 breeze from the
~ u hills was ruhling
the blue into purple and. further or.
where the sea was silyery green, the
distant mountains of Corsica rose faint
ly from its breast.
Jack" continued Cathcart. turning
to his valet, IAN hour hence it will be
dark and we have not yet struck upon
the hosplce of San Columbo. where
we thought of spending the night"
1--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
"rhen we had better go on. The
shadows are beginning to darken the
valleys with their gloom"
That is not our way" said the
valet. at is an unfrequcnted 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-
ipices. Twilight soon faded away and
darkness gradually encompassed the
travellers. Cathcart was brave man
and cared little for danger: but Jack,
the valet, began to grow uneasy at
the situation. Two or three times they
saw dim light in the distance, but
merely for 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 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 1--WE
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.
1--WE have lost our way" said Cath
cart TO the strangers. Can You point
out the path to San ColumboW
I'VE can" answered both of the
voices. "rhls is the road"
All iourneyed on together, Enrico, as
one of the strangers called himself, be-
guiled the way with song until he
reached Il mountain cavern.
I'VE are at San Columbo" he said.
"Glotto handcuff these men," And
Enrco produced n heavy horse-pstol,
and threatened to shoot nj the first
man who made any resistance.
Cathcart and the valet were led man
acled into the mountain gorge, and,
making n gradual descent, they found
themselves in an isolated hollow.
Around n bright wood fire were scat
tered a motley group in strange cos
tunes -Four sinisteI-looking rultians
were lounglng on the grass Two or
three were attending TO the horses. An
ugly haggnrd old woman, like Pyth-
ian sorceress, stirred pot which hung
over the fire.
I'VE have really fallen into the hands
of robbers, Jack" whispered Cathcart.
In an instant the prisoners We're
surrounded by the whole group.
Art thou an Engllshman;" asked
EnricO.
II am" said Cathcart.
Then thou art rich like all thy
countrymen. and thou canst afford to
pay II good price for thy ransom.
BrOthersr' he added, what's to be the
ransomI'
Five thousand crowns" chorused
the whole gang.
All Cathcart's valuables were taken
from him, but he was allowed to keep
a 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
uatlon a young girl appeared upon the
scene, bringing them some food. There
was an air of tenderness and compass
sion upon her face as she gazed on
the captive3 which inspired them with
hope
How comes one so beautiful as you
among these mountain wllds?" asked
Cathcart.
my father is the captain of our
band she answered. ''and | wait upon
his fortune, though | little like ouI
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 menacing
tones. Cathcart could easily see thai
his situation was critical, ana was Al
loss to know the cause of the mys
terious delay.
On the fifth night of his imprison
ment he sat moodily at the fire. Hi
memory reverted to his wife, and h'
opened the locket containing her por
trait.
While gazing at II Teresa entered