Mezzoni the Brigand — page 192: what you’re looking at

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184 MEZZONI THE BRIGAND. fugitive, but it certainly did no harm, except to in- cite the oarsmen to renewed exertion. “Try once more,’’ said one of the officers to the one who had just fired. A second discharge, but the boatmen “jalled on as before, still unharmed. The brigand sat quietly in the bow of the boat, evi- dently encouraging his companions now and then by an earnest word. He was perfectly cool. If he could land upon Capri, a little ahead of his pursuers, and at the point at which they were steering, he felt sure of being able to elude them. He was an adept in these matters; he had been in tighter places be- fore and escaped, and he was not prepared to give itup yet. ‘One more struggle,’’ he had said to him- self. Now came a third shot from the police. It was at nearer range and better aimed. This time the after boatman was hit, and soon drew in his oar. Alberto sprang to the man’s place, and taking the oar him- self, the boat shot forward more rapidly than before. The shore was but a few boat lengths off. Another shot from the police. Still the fugitive boat held on. The agi bullet flew wide of its mark. “Give him two together,’’ suggested one of the officers, and at the same time preparing to fire. A couple of shots from their revolvers followed. Alberto started this time. He was hit. Still the brigand labored stoutly at his oar. No vi- tal part was touched. ‘‘Is that devil bullet-proof?’’ exclaimed one of the officers, thoroughly excited. ‘*Let us see,”’ said another. And shot after shot was fired. The trouble with Eomicbooks.co