Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1910-05-13

warfare when the family lived peace
fully on the top Of the hill, feasting
and dancing while their adherents till
ed the soil or tended their flocks in the
country about them. During one of
these GASES in the desert Of war a
young soldier, Giovanni Caspi, on
whom the head Of the family lavished
many favors, made love to Theresa AS
cont. AS soon as the baron heard of
this affair he dismissed Caspi, for the
young man was not of noble birth.
In time Giovanni Caspi became
known in warfare as one of the bold
est and most ingenious leaders. When
he attacked tower it was sure to
fall. This was not because his men
were more brave or stronger, but be-
cause their captain was full of arts by
which he outwitted his enemies. In
deed, the Italians Of those days were
prone to accomplish their objects rath-
er by their wits than by ordinary
methods.
Now, the Ascent family belonged to
the Ghebelines, one Of the two promi-
nent factions that contended for su~
premacy in Italy in those days, the
other being the Guelphs. One Of the
Guelph leaders, named Blandora, whose
castle was on Lake Lecco, hearing that
Ascent was away from his castle with
all his. adherents, resolved to cross to
Menaggio, pass through a detile lead
ing to the east bank Of Lake Mag
gi0ri, march up and around the north
end of the lake and down on the west
bank to the Ascent stronghold, hoping
to occupy it during Asconti's absence.
One day Ascent was at Strezzia,
directly south of his castle, with a
small portion of his force when Caspi
appeared and rode up to him. Asconti
frowned and asked him what he wish
ed.
ITO tell you that Guelph force is
marching northward on the other bank
of the lake intending to come down
through Locarno and occupy your cas-
tle."
"How do you know that?" asked AS
cont.
because saw them from an emf
nence."
There could be no reason for Caspi
giving false information, SO Aconti sent
couriers in hot haste to the several
portions of his force, some Of whom
were at a considerable distance, with
orders that they should hasten to the
castle. Then Ascent made forced
march himself in the same direction.
Caspi asked permission to go with
him and help him win a victory over
those who were on the way to attack
him, and Ascent reluctantly consent
ed. So they rode on side by side.
"You will be within your gates,' said
Caspi, "before the Guelphs can sur
| round the castle, but you have not
| fifty men with you, and your enemies
number a thousand. Before the other
portions of your army can reach you
your ramparts will be stormed and
| taken"
MY hope is that my re-enforcements
will come in time.'
| 81 hope so, too, but it may be well
for you to think of some plan by
which to hold your enemy in check in
! case you are left without support"
Ascent rode on modify, occasion
| ally turning to hurry his follow
ers. When he came within sight Of
his castle he was relieved to see his
banner still floating there. Pushing on.
he entered with his band and closed
the gates. The sun was shining on the
armor Of the Guelphs. just leaving Lo-
| carno. They We're not a dozen miles
| distant, and as yet no word had come
from any other Of the portions of AS
| conti's army. Ascent gave up hope.
Il have plan that may save you"
said Caspi.
"What is it?''
| II must have reward If succeed"
my daughters hand?"
eyes"
Ascent considered for some time,
then with evident reluctance consent
ed. Caspi told him that he could do
nothing without the command, and it
was surrendered to him.
! 1ueu CdSpl CuOSc OuS OA "uO" AC
could rely and told him to 20 to the
Guelph leader and say. that Giovanni
Caspi was in the Ghebeline strong
hold and in command. The message
) was delivered. Blandova started.
"Oh." he exclaimed, IF that fox is
in there we must beware!'
From this point he marched slowly
and cautiously. expecting at any mo-
ment that an army of Ghebelines
would pour down out Of some ravine
and overpower him. But nothing un'
usual occurred At last he reached a
point where he could plainly see the
castle. To his establishment. the gates
were open, no sentries were on the
wall, and from within came sounds of
revelry.
"A stratagem"' he exclaimed. THAT
willy Caspi has his men concealed with
in the walls. Should we enter the
gates would be closed behind US. and
we would all be murdered"
1 v,,,1oh ffrNo irving