Joseph Wilmot, or, The Memoirs of a Man-Servant — page 122: what you’re looking at

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JOSEPH WILMOT; OR, THE MEMOIRS OF A MAN-SERVANT. 109 ne SSN a a a a a across the front part of the saddle of Volterra’s | liberty : I had aided in capturing the formidable powerful steed, to which the latter sprang—while I leaped upon the back of the one prepared for myself. Our looks again sweeping round, showed us that the coast was still clear: and we galloped away. Oh, the wild exultation of that moment when we thus left the bandits’ tower behind! CHAPTER C. VOLTERRA S EXPLANATIONS. Marco UBERTI was for some minutes so com- pletely stupified by all that had taken place, and the position in which he was thrown, that he lay like an inert mass across Volterra’s steed. The animal, as already said, was a powerful one, and therefore at first bore his double burthen bravely: but it was quite evident that the journey could not be continued with fleetness for any length of time under such circumstances. When we were at a distance of about a milc, I suggested that the gag should be taken from the brigand-captain’s mouth, for fear lest he became suffocated and justice thus cheated of its due. Volterra consented : it was accordingly done; and then Uberti, after several heavy gasps, began to speak. Angelo answered him sternly as well as menacingly; and he explained to me that the miscreant, now well nigh sobered by the complete sense of his position, was begging hard to be set free. Our journey was continued in the direction of that village where I on previous occasions had taken up my quarters; and during our progress thither the discomfited and crestfallen Uberti made nu- merous vain appeals for mercy to be shown unto him. We reached the village; and, as the reader may suppose, immense was the sensation which was excited when it became known that the indi- vidual who hung like an inert mass across Vol- terra’s steed was the hitherto terrible Bandit Marco Uberti. All the inhabitants—men, women, and children—flocked forth from their dwellings ; and a little procession was formed to the inn. ThereI was at once recognized and welcomed by the land- lord and the domestics—aye, and doubly welcome too when they found-that I had been partly in- strumental in capturing the formidable brigand. The Mayor speedily arrived; and as an attack on the part of the bandit-horde was apprehended, when it was learnt that they had not been dis- persed by any means, but had been left at their tower, all the men of the village flew to arm them. selves in the best way that they could. Pitchforks were seized upon—scythes were grasped—a few old swords were sharpened up—rusty fire-arms were burnished—all was bustle and excitement. Meanwhile the crest-fallen Uberti, now gloomy and sullen, was consigned to a room where half-a- dozen sturdy peasants mounted guard upon him; and Volterra and myself sate down to a hastily prepared breakfast, while a vehicle was being gotten in readiness. Never did I so much enjoy a meal! was not merely happy—my feelings were those of enthusiastic exultation. In con- trast with the hideous perils through which I had passed, I had the most joyous sense of life and much esteemed, to quit the loathsome companion- ship of those brigands whom he abhorred. HadI not every reason to be joyous and happy? And Volterra too,—he evidently experienced a kindred feeling: he assured me that he did—and the animation of his handsome countenance reflected the blissful glow which inspired his heart. The vehicle was in readiness ; and Marco Uberti, firmly bound hand and foot with strong cords, was thrust inside. Volterra and I entered afterwards ; we were well armed—and we required no assist- ance to keep our prisoner in secure custody. The chaise drove out of the village amidst the enthu- siastic cheers of the inhabitants. Marco Uberti—perceiving that all entreaties were vain, and that we were resolute in handing him over to the grasp of justice—had shut himself up, as already stated, in a sullen reserve. He knew not that his valuable papers were in Vol- terra’s possession; and he therefore probably flattered himself that they might once more prove the talisman of his safety. Angelo did not cons descend to give him any explanation on the point ; and the ruffian, lounging back in the corner of the vehicle, closed his eyes, and either slept or ap- peared to do so. “You are doubtless anxious, my dear young friend,” said Angelo Volterra, “to receive some explanations relative to my purpose in having con- sorted with the miscreants of whom this man was the chief. You have seen that my aim was to procure possession of these papers which I have about me, and which Providence has this day thrown into my hands. Yes—that was my aim in joining the banditti: but I had still another pur- pose to serve—a higher and a nobler one; and on this point you must suspend your curiosity for only a few hours, because I feel that there is another who is as much entitled as yourself—pardon me for Saying even more entitled, under all circum. stances *. “ Yes,” I exclaimed, well able to enter into his feelings: “the first word of explanation on any dearly cherished point must be given to her whom you love!” “Thank you, my dear friend, for this forbearance on your part,” responded Volterra: “and rest assured that as I have the inclination so I also possess the means to testify all my friendship’ to- wards you. But let me continue to give explana- tions relative to that point whereon I may touch. This fellow’—glancing towards Uberti—“ under- stands not the English language in which we are speaking ; and even if he did, it would matter but little.” Volterra paused for a few moments, and then continued in the following manner :— ‘Many months haveelapsed since the idea first en- tered my head that I would throw myself amongst Marco Uberti’s banditti, in the hope of obtaining possession of those State documents which I knew that he had purloined from the ducal palace at Florence. I adopted an assumed name—for that of Angelo Volterra is not my right one; and I went boldly to Marco Uberti’s stronghold. I an- nounced myself as a man who by some heinous | crime had rendered himself an outlaw ; and I offered brigand ; and Providence had led me to a disco- which enabled Angelo Volterra, whom I so ElO@QO) S (C(O) im