The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1910-04-28

Inefe is STORY OF one OF these cas-
ties on the banks of Lake Maggiori
The Ascent family once occupied
this castle There were intervals of
warfare when the family lived peace
fully. on the top Of the hill. feastlng
and dancing while their adherents till
ed the soil or tended their ilocks in the
country about them. Daring one Of
these GASES In the desert of war a
young soldier. Giovanni Caspi. on
whom the head Of the family layished
many favors, made love to Theresa AS
cont. As soon as the baron heard Of
this affair be 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 a tower 1t 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 SUI
premacy in Italy in those days, the
other being the Gualphs. 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 defle lead
ing to the east bank of Lake Mag
giori. march up and around the north
end of the lake and down on the vest
bank to the Ascent stronghold, hoping
to occupy 1t 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. Ascent
frowned and asked him what he wish
ed.
ITO tell you that a Guelph force is
marching northward on the other bank
Of the lake intending to come down
through Locarno and occupy your cas-
tie"
How do you know thatY asked AS
cont.
Because saw them from an emil
hence"
There could be no reason for Caspi
giving false Information, so Acontl sent
couriers In hot haste to the several
portions Of his force, some OF whom
were at 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 rere 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"
Il hope so, too. but II 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 moodily. occasion
ally turning to hurry his follow
ers. When he came within sight Of
his castle he was relieved to see his
banner still noating there. Pushing on.
he entered with his band and closed
the gates. The sun was shining on the
armor Of the Guolphs. just leaving Lo-
carno. They were not dozen miles
distant, and as get no word had come
from any other Of the portions OF As
conu's army. Ascent gave up hope.
Il have plan that may save YOU"
said Casp
"What Is III"
II must have a reward II succeed"
my daughters handT
YES"
Ascent considered for some time,
then with evident reluctance consent.
ed. Caspi told him that he could do
nothing without the command. and 1t
was surrendered 10 him.
Then Caspl chose one on whom he
could rely and told him to go to the
/ Guelph leader and say that Giovanni
Caspi was In the Ghebellne strong
hold and In command. The message
was delivered. Blandova started.
oh" he exclaimed. III that fox is
In there we must bewarer'
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 I'M
usual occurred. AZ last be 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 stratagemw he exclaimed. THAT
willy Caspi has his men concealed with
in the walls. should we enter the