Mezzoni the Brigand — page 72: what you’re looking at

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

64 MEZZONI THE BRIGAND. CHAPTER VII. THE DETECTIVE. In the meantime Colonel Bray had reached home and was in active consultation with his friends. Even in London, where he was so well known, the old officer found it no easy task to raise the heavy sum required for his child’s ransom. All to whom he applied heard his story respectfully, and offered every token of sympathy except the very one which alone would meet the actual necessities of the case— money. Some insisted upon making a government affair of it, and having a special demand made upon the Ital- ian authorities for the restoration of Marion Bray. A fleet of men-of-war should at once be sent to Naples, etc., etc. Others suggested that the money should be raised and paid over, and then that the Italian government be made to refund the sum. This was a very good idea, and if these advisers would but advance the five thousand pounds ster]l- ing, in the meantime, why this course would answer the colonel’s purpose. But somehow these people, so very ready and often reasonable with their sug- gestions, had not the means or inclination to advance the money itself. Many persons were for organizing a company of resolute men, landing at or near Naples, and march- ing ina body to the stronghold of the robbers and liberating the English girl. These persons had only to be informed that such a course would cost the life of the prisoner to see that the business of liberation comicbooks.co