Mezzoni the Brigand — page 176: what you’re looking at

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

168 MEZZONI THE BRIGAND. brigands who were under the leadership of Mezzoni. He had obtained such elaborate information from Walter Hammond as to make him very confident of success; such knowledge had never before been in the possession of the authorities, and he had great faith that, with a proper co-operation, he could fer- ret out this national pest and possibly secure the per- son of the leading bravo himself. To accomplish this he demanded ample assistance, and the control of the movement, so far as it could be properly delegated to him. He was especially encouraged by the manner in which his proposal was received, and it was with very little delay that he was finally informed that the authorities would accede to his desires. He was to perfect his plans at once, and after laying them before the department he would be given such aid as he required to carry them out successfully. This he anticipated, as he had been met. in a similar spirit at all points. The detective had such confidence in the young American that he tried in all manner of ways to in- duce him to accompany the expedition to the. rob- bers’ stronghold. But the fact was that Walter Ham- mond had no object to subserve that would compen- sate for the risk which he would encounter by com- plying with the detective’s wish. ‘“T had rather have you with me than a dozen Neapolitan soldiers,’’ said the detective. ‘‘Too much to risk without an object,’’ was the re- ply. ‘““These villains know me now.”’ ““You have given them serious ‘reason.’’ “Just so; and I should be a target, therefore, for their best marksmen,”’ said Walter, Cao nal kel exeve) <S7GO nat ,