The Boy Soldier; Or, Garibaldi's Young Captain — page 145: what you’re looking at

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

a morrow night; in fact, he left Crema about an hour ago for the fort, and I should much like you aud your friend the major to join us; in fact, it is the general’s orders.” “ General Garibaldi’s wishes are always our com- mands,” said Frank, ‘I thank you for the honour conferred upon me, and will be sure to be there. It is only about twelve hours’ travel, I think ?” “Not more.” “You may rely on my punctuality, colonel.” Frank again sought his young comrades, and told them the secret, at which they were overjoyed. “ We must be the first to plant our flag on the walls, lads,” said Frank. “So for a few hours enjoy yourselves. We will start ere daybreak.” While they were thus speaking to each other in confidential chat, with their backs to the stage, they had not noticed what wag passing behind them. Two Italians, dressed in long black cloaks, had crept behind Frank in a slow, cat-like manner, unheard and unseen, They hovered for a moment around the young Garibaldians, as if uncertain which of the group before them was their especial object and victim. Suddenly, however, the tallest of the two dis- guised rascals pointed to Frank with his long, lean finger, ‘Lhe second in an instant obeyed the sign, and advanced towards Frank with an upraised dagger. “e With an oath, low and guttural, he struck the ow. But in a second Caspar turned his head, and perceived the villain’s design before the blow had been given, * Next moment his sword flashed through the air. The dagger slightly pierced Frank’s shoulder. But the next moment the would-be assassin lay weltering in his gore. He was cleaved through the skull. _ The second rascal dropped his cloak and- hat instantly, and fled amid the crowd, and could not again be recognised, But the scene was so sudden and so tragical in its effect that cries and shouts were now heard all over the opera-house, and a great throng gathered around the Boy Soldiers, shouting and cursing loudly against the intended ussassination. I’rank was carried forth instantly, and received medical aid, for The rascal’s dagger had been poisoned ! CHAPTER I. FRANK FORD, MAJOR CASPAR, HUGH TRACY, AND OTHERS, HAVE STIRRING ADVENTURES, DEADLY CONFLICTS—THE FORTRESS STORMED AT MID- NIGHT—FRANK LEADS THE VAN, It was well for Frank Ford that he was im- mediately conveyed away from the gay and festive scene at the opera-house, and placed under medical care aiter he had received the wound at the hands of the cowardly hireling of Basil’s band. Had the gallant young fellow not been taken care of on the instant, he would have surely died, for— Lhe point of the dagger had been poisoned! The commotion that ensued among all assembled in ,the opera-house, when they heard of the dastardly attempt at murder, was very great, Gentlemen swore roundly, and endeavoured to discover the dead scoundrel’s accomplice, but with- ont success, Ste Illustration, No. 16. THE BOY SOLDIER; OR, GARIBALDIS YOUNG CAPTAIN. 139 The performance was stopped. The dancing and hilarity ceased. All were intent on hearing the cause of the sudden attempted assassination, But all was vain inquiry, 3 No one could tell why nor how this cowardly trick had been played upon so bold aud gallant a youth. Under the. skilful hands of an. experienced doctor, Frank’s wound was immediately attended to, and he took a draught which proved a powerful antidote against the poison which had been intro- duced into his system by the envenomed dagger peint. Crowds assembled ronnd the house whither he had been conveyed, to inquire how the gallant young soldier was getting on. Ladies left their cards, though late it was, and averred that they could not retire to rest until they had learned and felt satisfied that the youth’s hurt was not mortal, A few hours of medical care- brought Frank round again, and though he bled a little from his wound, no serious consequences were apprehended, for the poison had been killed by the powerful antidote, In a short time, therefore, and sooner than the medical attendants expected, Frank opened his eyes and began to commune freely and.,ggod- humouredly. “80 the poison is harmless, you say, doctor?’’ Frank asked, with a smile, ‘Tt is, captain; and, thanks to your strong an healthy constitution, there is no danger, You have bled a little, but that is all the harm that has happened, You must remain quiet for a day or two, and all will turn out for the best.” “ How long will it be then, doctor, before I am ready for active service?” Frank asked, fretfully. ‘“If my wound’s not dangerous, as you say, the sooner I am up and doing the better, for I hate to lie idle on a sick bed.” “ Don’t talk of active service,” the doctor replied, with a smile, ‘“‘ You have seen as much of that as any One in the whole Volunteer army,, But if yeu ask my opinion, I should say that you ought not to venture out under three or four days at least.” ‘‘ And my companions ?” said Frank, peevishly. ‘Your comrades have started on the Tyrol road an kour ago,” “ Gone !” “Yes; surely you would not think of stirring out with such a wound as you now have in the left shoulder ?. It would.be folly !” ‘‘ Have all of them gone?” : “No, I believe that one remains behind.” “ One, eh ! and do you know: his name?” “No. I saw him running hither and. thither about the opera-house, in search of the second of the two rascals whe set upon you, and threatened all manner of things to everybody because you were hurt.” “ What kind of person was he ?” ** A lirge, round face, fat-looking youth,” “Tony Waddleduck, for a hundred pounds.” ‘‘ Now I come to think ‘of it, his name is Tony. I heard your companions ask him if he was not going off in the coach with them, but ‘he refused, and stood blubbering like a goose at the house-door, and swore he would not stir an inch until he felt satisfied that you were safe and out of all danger.’ Frank smiled, and shortly after»was left alone, the “servants being told that he must not be disturbed, but remain quiet for several days, Directly the doctor had gone, however, Frank, CoOMmicbooks.€c©