Mezzoni the Brigand — page 127: what you’re looking at

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

MEZZONI THE BRIGAND. | 119 Walter knew that he would not probably be fol- lowed again for some time at least, and so he hur- ried Marion down the rough way once more, turn- ing momentarily to see that the second robber did not draw a ‘“‘bead’’ on them with his rifle. The other outlaw must have been at a long distance from his companion, Walter concluded, because he had kept his eye on the spot where the first had fallen, and if he had been joined by his mate would certainly have seen him. He felt sure that he had wounded the rob- ber at whom he had shot, very severely, he fell so instantaneously. There was one only left to pursue them. He could not but feel that he had much rather this man would come on now than have him return for help, though it would give him a moment or two more of respite from attack. ‘‘Are you very weary?’ he asked of Marion. “No. Ican goon a long time yet.”’ “There is only one to pursue us now.”’ “Oh, Walter, do you think that you killed him?’’ she asked, with clasped hands. She was a woman, and could not bear the idea. “Tmay not have killed him, Marion, but he will follow us no more,’”’ was the raply: “Though I know it is necessary,’’ said the young girl, “‘“yet I cannot reconcile the idea with my feel- ings for a moment.”’ | “Tt is natural that you should feel so,’’ said Wal- ter, taking her hand kindly. ‘Tt is so terrible to take human life.”’ ‘Except in self-defense. ’’ | “True,’? she said; ‘‘after all, it is our lives or theirs, I suppose.’’ ‘“Hxactly the question.’’ While this conversation was going on Walter had EComicbooks ? et ‘ ‘.-»e A ee a wad age ‘e i 2 il “ Pe tee? SR Fe