Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1908-06-05

the Two dCcufSed DanHttS, koCninl ana
his mate. killed Nicolo, the sheep
grower. up at his house by the lake,
and carried of his daughter"
Thank YOU for your advice" an
swers Marina politely. She glances at
Barnes, but he scarcely heeds. He is
urging his pony toward the mountain
pass through which Enid must now
be journeying.
Who is this Rochini?' asks Barnes,
to take Mrs. Anstruther's thoughts to
happier things.
He and his fellows are the only
bandits OF which Corsica is not proud
answers the girl. savagely. This
wretch with his underlings murders
men for money. Other bandits only
kin for hate or to escape capture by
the gendarmes. Also this Rochsni
drags shrieking women to his lair.
while other bandits don their hats to
ladies'"
Then as they ride along the Cor
sican girl gives Mr.. Barnes some curl
GUS information about bandits.
This murderous Rochini Is not OF
our commune; he has been driven
from Rotondo by the farmers because
Of his outrages and came over to Del
Oro,' she remarks, excitedly. Our
own Boeognano bandits. the brave
Bellacoscia." Marina's tone is proud,
whose family name is Bonelli, only
fed to the mountains to escape pur-
cflff frNt ,nI a -.
cause, forsooth. the elder Antonio kill
ed Marc Angel, who dared to marry
the girl upon whom he had set his
heart. The younger, Giacomo, because
he would not endure the French con-
scription, SO he slew the brigadier and
his men who came to arrest him. Still
Antonio Bonelli, when the Teutons ov-
erran France, offered to 60 over and
fight the German Won Moltke with his
500 Observation-Disclosures. sons, grand
sons and nephews--if they would give
him safe conduct from arrest. At first
Monsieur Gambetta accepted, then he
refused, fearing there might be new
Bonaparte among these Corsicans to
again save France and rule the coun-
try"
"Oh, we are devoted to the Bella
coscia," she continues fervidly.
Every boy by the wayside gives them
warning OF the gendarmes: every
child picking flowers In the mountains
tells them of the coming of the brig
adiers who would capture or Stay
them. Though many men and women.
some Of gentle blood, are placed In
prison for aiding them, the authorities
never receive information from their
lips. But these wretches, Rochini and
Romano, are abhorred by all. and
blessings would be showered on any
who might bring their bodies into b.
cognano."
All this has been said as they hur-
ried through the dust and sun for
three more miles. They enter the VIII
lage Of Guagno, There is no way of
avoiding the hamlet; 1t stands almost
at the entrance Of the deep gorge be-
tween the two great mountains-be.
sides, the ponies need rest
1t would be better ii we were not
seen here suggests Marina, though
the inn looks comfortable
And you must both rest and eat"
remarks Barnes, who has noticed that
his fragile companion, unaccustomed
to the severe exercise of horseback
travel in the hot sun and sitting dust,
is sonewhat fatigued.
They ride up to the auberge, dis
mount and give their ponies to the
care OF Corsican boy. who leads
them away
Entering. they are met by the To-
qnacious landlord, who tells them, as
they demand a hurried meal, that
business Is not very brisk, the season
being too early for many inyalids at
the baths, besides all travellers are
kept from the mountains beyond by
fear of Rochini and Romano.
May the curse Of God rest on them
they spoil my business even down
here says the hotel man savagely as
he goes to bring the food.
Il do not think you had better go
with me farther" remarks Barnes
seriously.
What, stand back because muir
derer threatens the way to Enidy"
cries Marina. Besides, you can shoot
your pistol"
Then may God curse me II | let
harm come to you for your devotion to
my wife," returns the American with
grateful eyes.
Then I'm safe" says the Corsican
girl simply, who has supreme faith In
the deadly craftsmanship OF her es-
cort
From the little garden outside. the
conversation OF two rustics drifts In
TO them. One Is apparently local
wool buyer, the other shepherd from
the neighboring mountain, who is bar
gaining with him for his shearing.
A moment later their host places
the dinner i'm front of them Here are