The Boy Soldier; Or, Garibaldi's Young Captain — page 105: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE BOY SOLDIER; OR, GARIBALDIS YOUNG CAPTAIN. 99 F tightly his sword ; “they shall pay dearly for this fatal shot,” He knelt down and bound up Dick’s wound as well as he could. While doing so three ruffians rushed upon him suddenly. “Stand back, black vipers, stand back!” said Frank, sword in hand; ‘is it not enough that you have killed this dear youth, my faithful companion? What would ye have more?” The three rascals stood at bay, and looked on with a grim smile, “You have killed Cavolti,? ” said one. “T did, and it was in fair fight.” “But you were on parole; you gave your ward of honour not to escape.” “YT did; nor have I tried. Cavolti, the ruffian, stabbed Basil’s daughter, and would have killed her but for me: for thisit was that I slew Cavolti.”’ ‘And that you might escape.” “Tis false, villain ; if such had been my motive I might ere this be away and in the midst of my friends, who are near by,” “Hal” ‘Yes, villains; not a mile hence are my brave followers, armed to the teeth, who would rush on certain death to save me if I gave the signal. But I will not. My word of honour is sacred. I have given it to Basil and will keep it.” The three ruffians smiled doubtingly. “There is only one fayour I would ask,” said Frank. “¢ What is it?” “ Simply this. That my followers be not molested while sojourning in the mountain. I do not ask this through any fear,” said Frank, “but to save useless bloodshed ; for I know they will not depart until I am free again—by ransom or otherwise.” “ Well ?” “ And the next favour I would ask is, that this wounded youth be conveyed to my friends by some of you, guided by this youth, one of my brave Garibaldians ; if this is done, I will return to Basil ; your reward shall be ereat, ¥ “We will do it,” replied the two robbers, “ Acreed, then,” said Frank, “I will go with you to the outposts of the Boy Band ; and when I see poor Dick in the hands of friends, I will return with you.” “On your honour a" * On my honour.” ‘A blanket was procured and Dick placed in it. The three brigands, assisted by Frank, took up the corners and sides, In this manner they slowly marched with the wounded youth. “ Cheer up, lad,” said Frank, kindly to poor Dick ; “all may jet be well.” In about an hour they discovered several red shirts dotting the mountain sides. Frank waived a white handkerchief as a signal of truce, In a few moments several of the young Garibal- : dians appeared, and came forth to meet the slow | and solemn procession. _ They were astonished and grieved. Frank briefly explained all that had happened, and forbade any attempt at violence with the three brigands who accompanied him. Fatty and Buttons, who quickly appeared on the _ spot, were, like Mark, soon grasping the hand of Frank ; but their joy was soon clouded on beholding poor Dick Fellows 80 dreadfully wounded, ET CT I ie th tt th en “They will surely hang you,” said Mark, “if-you go back, for killing Cayolti, their second in com- mand. "They will not believe it was done in a fair duel.” “Keep no faith with such cut-throat thieves. Your word of honour passed to them should count as nothing,” ** No, lads, no; don’t argue in that way. A word of honour is sacred, and among the greatest thieves and vagabonds is respected. Basil gave me his word that I should not be molested, in certain limits round the cavern, by any one, if I gave my word not to make any attempt to escape. I did so. He also gave notice to his band that no one should insult me, under pain of punishment, and that any offender might be chastised ; and to protect me against any sudden attack, he allowed me to keep my arms, if I promised not to use them except in self-defence.” The boys were still in favour of his staying with them, ‘“* You see that Basil, boys, #as notions of honour ; nor have I ever used my weapons except in self- defence.” ‘Then what do you propose to do, captain 2?” “ T wish you all to remain in the mountains here until my return,” he said, in English and in low tones; ‘‘my parole expires this time to-morrow ; if I cannot escape by fair means, [ will by foul. Be ready to receive me.” The three brigands did not understand what Frank was saying, but looked on at some distance apart. ‘“‘Come,”’ said Frank, “ I am as good as my word, Give these men meat and wine, and a purse of money. Fatty, don’t let them leave our camps empty-handed,” Fatty did so. ‘You need not fear,” said Frank, to the villains ; ‘there is no poison in the wine.” Hereupon he drank out of a flagon himself and passed it round. Kneeling on the ground, he whispered a few words to Dick Fellows, which made that brave lad’s face to smile again. They shook hands tenderly. ‘‘T fear I shall die before we meet again, Frank,” said Dick, faintly. ‘“ If I should, tell all my friends in England that I did not disgrace the courage of the Boys of England,” “Nay, let us hope for the best, Dick. You may yet live to return to England, At all events a change won’t take place until twenty-four hours. I shall soon rejoin you. ‘’Tis honour alone that makes me act as Ido.” In an instant Frank em- braced poor Dick, then starting up, saying, “ Lads, for the present, farewell ! rushed from the spot. He was out of sight in the ins and outs of the mountain path before his followers could realise his departure. He would have stayed much longer with Dick, but he felt his nerves much shaken, and the thought of losing such a brave companion made him sigh like a child, Tt was to hide this tenderness of feeling from his own company, as well as from the three brigands, that he thus hastened away. “Come,” said he, ‘an hour's sharp walking will take us to Basil, Then I shall learn the fate that awaits me,” MICLOOOKS.cO CO