Mezzoni the Brigand — page 20: what you’re looking at

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

12 MEZZONI THE BRIGAND. banditti ata time. A large number of men never showed themselves on these occasions, though it was believed that, if necessary, a signal would have sum- moned any required number where resistance was offered. In the instance of the robbery of the French traveling party, before referred to, the travelers testified before the authorities that there was but one man visible when they were stopped upon the road. He, however, was armed at every point, and when the driver of the vehicle was ordered to halt, it was with a revolver pointed at his head. He was told, sternly, that if he obeyed he would not be - harmed, but that if he offered to move from his seat or to start his horses until the robber bade him to do so, a bullet would be sent through his head. The brigand then addressed the party within the coach, composed of a gentleman, his wife, and a maid servant, still holding his revolver cocked and ready for instant use. He told them that he did not desire to summon others of the band—raising a sil- ver call which hung about his neck as significant of the manner in which he could do so—but that they had only to comply with his demands quietly and ‘there need be no alarm. .. The robber was very cool through all this; he was in no hurry; indeed, it was impossible, as the French gentleman said, not to admire his perfect sang-froid. His first demand was for a casket of diamonds be- longing to the lady; and it was perfectly plain to them that he knew their number, their value, and even their style of setting. He also designated, very understandingly, some other valuables which he desired, and which, of course, under the cireum- stances, it was thought best to give up quietly. comicbooks.cor