Mezzoni the Brigand — page 160: what you’re looking at

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

152 MEZZONI THE BRIGAND. taken. Walter glanced behind them for a moment, undecided whether he should answer the shot, but he saw that they were gradually dropping their pur- suer, and thought that it was not necessary, though he still held his trusty revolver ready in his hand for instant service. Every stride of their spirited little horse brought them nearer and nearer to Naples. During the last attack, Marion, who had thus far held her courage with wonderful strength of will, had at last fainted. It was the first time she had shown extreme physical weakness since they left the cave in the mountain. At first, Walter Ham- mond was startled by the idea that she was wounded ; but her unconsciousness lasted for a moment only, and she soon revived, clinging to him with child- like trust. ‘‘Rouse up, dear Marion, rouse up, we are just at the entrance to Naples.’’ “Thank Heaven,’’ she whispered. “You are not hurt?” “Oh, no, only exhausted.” - “No wonder—no wonder,’’ said her companion, still supporting her with his arm. ; ‘‘How kind you are, Walter.”’ He reached over her, and for the first time pressed his lips to her forehead. She did not rebuke him! Did she not owe him life itself? The stout little horse bore them in by the Porta del Carmine, and the driver received his first piece of gold. Ten minutes later they stopped before the police station, in the Strada. St. Carlo, and were safe. The driver received his second louis, and an extra one to console him for his fright on the way. They had successfully run the gantlet. comicboo