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'No,' replied the boy; but the Casino stands in the valley, near the old ruined church and the bridge.'

'Per Dio! it belongs to Signor Mauro, the rich grazier. Did you hear that name mentioned?'

'I think I did; indeed, I am sure of it. Has he not lately lost his father?'

'It is the same,' observed Gaetano. what hour they go down?'

Did you hear them say at

Yes; it will be an hour after the Ave Maria,* at one hour of the night.'

How many are to be employed?-what route do they take?— and where will the covering party be posted?'

The boy shook his head, and said that he had not heard, and could not tell he had told all he knew. The mother and son looked at each other, as if each were attempting to read the other's thoughts.

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'I told you,' she said, exultingly, after a moment's pause, the occasion would arrive to-day.'

And per Dio!' responded the son, it shall not be neglected or missed. Hasten the meal, mother, and let me depart.'

In a few minutes Gaetano was habited in the dress he had borrowed for the occasion. It was that of a sportsman, such as is commonly worn in that part of the country. It consisted of a velveteen jacket, made large and loose, so as to hang like a sack from the shoulders. It has innumerable pockets, and one which occupies the whole back, which can be entered on either side, with a number of flaps and straps. The waistcoat is commonly of the same material; the calzone blue, or any other colour; but a large pair of thick worsted stockings without feet, are drawn over all, and left bagging and hanging about the heels of a pair of very stout shoes, made of a light-coloured leather. To this is added a bag for game, powder and shot, flasks, and the never-to-be-forgotten boraccio, or wine pouch, made of cow skin. A glazed or common hat, with a broad brim and low crown, generally accompanies these.

Having completely equipped and prepared himself for his desperate undertaking, Gaetano called to his mother, who was outside at the back of the hut occupied about something, to tell her he was ready. The boy, who was still discussing the remnant of his breakfast, would have run out to call his mistress; but the man kept him back, and told him to sit still. In a minute afterwards the woman entered, bringing the boraccio full of wine, which was immediately swung over the shoulder of the young man; and, at the same time, she presented him with his knife; which she had sharpened and pointed afresh for the occasion. While Gaetano was secreting it, and at the same time placing it in a position easily accessible, his mother was searching in an old-fashioned, strange-looking baulletta, or coffer, where many curious things appeared to be put away. Having found what she sought, the woman, taking his hand, said to him in a tone of command, and with a serious look, Kneel, Gaetano, and ask the assistance and protection of the Madonna.'

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Her son, with the habitual piety of an Italian, at once complied, taking off his hat, crossing himself, and muttering his petition.

* The Italians, generally, but in the Papal States always, reckon twenty-four hours, and begin to count from sunset, winter and summer.

Whilst in this position, the woman approached, and bending over him, put a small cord, to which a species of amulet was attached, around his neck. The man kissed the little token, pushed it down into his bosom, and resumed his hat. In a few minutes afterwards he was rapidly descending the steep mountain.

Having once started upon his perilous enterprise, Gaetano became a new man; his character appeared to change all at once; his spirits were stirred, his passions roused afresh, and all his former failures and fatigues were forgotten in his newly-formed scheme of vengeance. He had that lying deep in his heart which burnt with a blaze fierce as the fire of hell, and which kept the whole current of his blood boiling, that which, from whatever source it springs, is in itself always sufficient to stir an Italian, and hurry him on to any lengths,-crime, madness, and destruction. The whole soul of Gaetano blazed with revenge, and the mad and unremitting exertions he had made for the last two months to avenge himself for the cruel injuries he had received had disordered both his mind and body; the ungratified passion which had so long preyed upon his heart had almost conquered itself, and produced an incapacity for further ' strife. But at this moment Gaetano felt nothing of his condition but its excitement; he strode on with a rapid, dogged, and resolute movement, that gave the idea of a man striving in vain to tire himself. Suddenly he stopped. From a turning in the path which he was pursuing, a high and singularly-shaped mountain came into viewit was Il Monte di Fato! There was the sloping wood which led up its only accessible side, its rocky walls rising high into the blue vault above, and its curved, crater-like banks of mountain magnitude, embracing many plains of verdant turf in its enormous grasp; and there, in a dark and gloomy nook, those acquainted with the spot might perceive indications of that dreadful abyss, treacherously hid, and deep descending into the gloom of earth, which Meo Varrone had made the living tomb of the two beautiful sisters, Nina and Rosa. The man who now stood fixed and gazing, rivetted to the earth, and overwhelmed with emotion, was their brother! Heavens! what a burst of bitter sorrow was that which broke from his heart and from his eyes!

Turning his back at once upon the object which had so affected him, he strode off again, as if fearing to trust himself with another look. His thoughts were speedily called away from his own afflictions, and his feelings again renewed, by suddenly encountering a goatherd. Gaetano addressed the man, inquiring at the same time if he was a servant of Signor Mauro. He replied that he was, and remarked that Gaetano had not chosen the most favourable spot for the pursuit of the game then in season. This remark suggested an idea of the necessity of assuming more the deportment and manner of a sportsman, and Gaetano immediately commenced putting it in practice. He asked if the Signor Padrone was a cacciatore, put some other questions, among others, whether he was at the casino, or where he might be found. The goatherd was not without his suspicions, and answered rather wide of the mark, taking care to magnify the number of servants and work-people that were always in and about the casino. Gaetano learnt indirectly that there was great chance of finding Signor Mauro at that moment in the house, which could be seen at the foot of the mountain; in an abrupt way,

VOL. X.

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21

therefore, he bid good day to the man, and hurried off, while the goatherd looked after him, muttering something to himself, and shaking his head.

Gaetano, who was a brigand himself, and one of the band of Di Cesaris, was quite conscious that, if he did not set about what he intended to do with great care, he should defeat his own purpose. He, therefore, approached the casino cautiously, stole under the walls, watched, and listened, in hopes of hearing the voice of the master, or of coming upon him suddenly, and thus preventing his being denied, and missing the opportunity of speaking to him. Fortune, however, favoured him; the grazier made his appearance, as if coming out for a walk, or going about some business at his farm. Gaetano addressed him respectfully, and he at once stopped, and gave him his attention.

'I have something, Signor Padrone,' said Gaetano, which I wish to communicate,-something of importance. May I go within the house and tell it to you

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'Yes, certainly,' replied the master; but it may as well be told here.'

Not exactly,' was the reply. I do not wish to be overheard, nor, indeed, to be seen talking with you. What I have to speak of affects

your property, and perhaps your life.'

Indeed!' said the master. Well, walk in. May I ask the name of the Signore who intends me so important a service?'

You will not know it. My errand will speak for itself; and you will at once see that you have nothing to fear from me, but, on the contrary, that I have everything to dread from attempting to serve you.'

'Disinterested, certainly,' observed the Padrone; but do me the favour to come in, and we will talk the matter over.'

Having entered, and being seated, Gaetano, after a moment's pause, and a glance all round, began in a subdued but somewhat agitated manner, Signor Mauro, I have good reasons to know that the band of Meo Varrone intend to attack your house this evening, and to carry you away to the mountains.'

May I ask how you became acquainted with the fact?' said the

master.

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"I will tell you willingly,' was the reply. A boy I employ heard some of the band speaking of it, who were not aware of his being present.'

Any other particulars?'

'He heard that it was to take place in an hour after Ave, and also that this was considered a favourable moment for the undertaking, as you were seen at the fair of Prosede, three days ago, with large droves of cattle, and consequently must be possessed of considerable sums of money. Whether you were there or not, you know best: I tell you the story as I heard it.'

The grazier appeared a little moved, more with the straightfor ward manner of his informant than with the danger which threatened him. He looked on the man in a musing and scrutinizing way for half a minute, and then said, as if his mind was not quite clear of doubts, I wish I could know to whom I am indebted for this act of kind consideration towards a stranger. Your face reminds me of one I knew years ago; but, from what I hear of him, he is the per

son of all others least likely to act as you have done, and to give information which might betray his lawless brothers. Of course it cannot be the same,' he observed, looking hard at the young man, 'although he must be now about your age and figure.'

Whether Gaetano quailed under the scrutiny he underwent is uncertain; but, assuming more confidence, the master said, 'Per Bacco ! I could almost think I am right; and, if I am, it would delight me, as it would show there is still some gratitude in the world. The youth I speak of was a shepherd of mine once. I saved him from the consequences of his first crime,-from a prison,-from disgrace.' Seeing the man much affected, the kind-hearted grazier warmed as he gazed upon the young man, and at last he seized his hand, and said, in a tone affected by emotion, Dear Gaetano, it is you, is it not? Madre di Dio! it is. Good and grateful fellow! well have you repaid the little kindness I showed you once, by coming to warn me of my danger, and to save me from ruin or death. A thousand and a thousand thanks, good Gaetano! Then you are not what you have been re- ́ ported to me,-a brigand?'

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'Signor Mauro,' said the man, in a stifled voice, I am.'

'Indeed! I am sorry to hear it; but still it is kind, it is grateful of you still, and I thank you kindly. I see now how it is: you have assumed the garb of a cacciatore, to come and put me on my guard, and to avoid yourself'

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Stop, Signor Mauro,' interrupted the man: 'I have no claim to any such merit, nor will I take credit for what I do not deserve. It is another motive, altogether another. I have never forgotten your kindness, nor can I ever forget the injury I have received. It is not what you suppose it to be. My motive is revenge!-deadly, insatiable, revenge!'

The padrone looked a little blank, waiting a further explanation; and Gaetano, roused and excited, continued, 'Hear me, Signor Padrone. You know the cruel wrong which has been done to us,-all know the horrible death of my two sisters by the hand of that infernal monster, Meo Varrone. Woe is our companion, despair our bitter foe, and vengeance alone our friend! See my worn feet, padrone mio, bleeding, cut, and sore, with endless, fruitless pursuit; but could you see what is here,' said the man, striking his breast, Gesu Maria! for two long months have I not eaten my own heart,* wasted my strength, my health, my hopes, seeking to requite that wretch? but no success has attended me. To-day it shall be done-he dies or I, by!'

The master was moved by the distress of the young man, and could not help remarking that he had good grounds for his affliction, and, according to the notions amongst Italians, his vengeance. He saw clearly his own danger, and determined at once to take measures to protect himself and his property. Explaining, therefore, his object to Gaetano, and having full confidence in him, he ordered in some wine and food, and begged that he would remain while he himself went up to the village just above, to ask the assistance of the police, and to get as many soldiers as could be found to come down and take possession of his house, so as to be ready at the hour the

'Sto mangiando il mio cuore,—a strong and favourite expression of the Italians.

attack should be made. On his return home, he found Gaetano where he had left him, with the wine and food untouched. After reproving him for taking nothing, he told him what steps he had taken, and begged him to remain and lend his assistance; but the man demurred, and, in the end, absolutely refused, on the plea that he could not live so many hours without being in motion. He assured the padrone that he would be present, and give his assistance; and so he took his hat and gun, and prepared to depart.

The evening came, the Ave Maria was sounded at the villagechurch above, and at the convent in the fertile plain near the stream below. The voices of many were mingled together in the beautiful hymn, Ave Maria, ora pro nobis; age, youth and childhood, guilt and innocence, joined in the strain, and bid adieu to the light of day,some to the toils, some to the pleasures, and not a few to the hopes and expectations it had brought with it. The repose of nature was at hand; but man, with his turbulent passions, remained still as far from peace

as ever.

In à cave, which looked like the home of the wolf, and was such, except at those times when he was ejected to make room for that more powerful and ferocious animal, man, Gaetano had passed the long and dreary hours since he was at the house of the grazier. His possession of it was not entire; for he shared it with the black-snake, the slow-worm, and the scorpion, that sported in his presence with a familiarity which seemed inspired by his looks, and encouraged by some kindred sympathies between them.

He had heard the Ave sounded, and had joined in the evening salutation with a fervour undisturbed by his guilty purpose; on the contrary, he had earnestly implored the assistance of Heaven. Every moment was of an hour's length; and endurance could hardly be pushed farther, when, coming forward to the mouth of the den, he heard the report of a gun, which was followed by others, simultaneously, and in succession. He had waited too long, or the brigands had made their attack before the appointed hour. Gaetano rushed forth at once, breaking his way through every impediment, and frequently falling in his mad and difficult career. His naked knife was in his hand but, in the frenzy of the alarm, he had forgotten his gun. Lately, he had almost abandoned it, and now he carried it rather to complete the character of a sportsman than for any other purpose. The thought of having left it flashed across his mind, and stopped his progress but for a single moment. He had resolved to sacrifice himself,-to take the life of his enemy at the expense of his own; so, dashing resolutely forward on his headlong course, maddened, torn, bruised, and bleeding, he soon found himself at the bottom of the mountain, and in the valley, almost opposite the casino of the grazier. Here he paused. The firing and the shouting still continued; many bunches of straw had been lighted, and were still burning, near the house and about the mountain; at its back, voices were heard also at some little distance, as if in pursuit; and every now and then the report of a gun and the whiz of a bullet were heard in the stillness of the evening. It was clear that the conflict, whatever it might have been, had ceased at the house, and that the parties had fled, and were pursuing their way along the valley. Their position was frequently made known by the flash of the guns, and every minute they appeared further removed from the spot on which

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