Mezzoni the Brigand — page 120: what you’re looking at

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

112 MEZZONI’ THE BRIGAND. nor did he forget a certain small flask of brandy. He also succeeded in purloining a pocket-compass which he found in the cave, considering the latter as important as his weapons. He had hard work to suppress his own impatience until the gang should start, but he knew that the least indiscretion would betray him, and so he care- fully sustained his well-feigned indifference to the movements about him. Indeed he appeared to be asleep most of that day, and was even joked for his chronic laziness. It was late in the afternoon when some eighteen men, under the command of the two lieutenants, filed away from the plateau in front of the cave, on their destined excursion. The Levanter was heard to regret that he could not join them, and was told that next time, doubtless, he would be permitted to do so. The cave was thus left with two members of the band and the woman, the Levanter being looked upon as a sort of supernumerary, though able to ren- der important assistance if necessary. Walter had selected a spare suit of clothes belong- ing to one of the smallest members of the gang, and had placed it where he could put his hand upon it when wanted in a hurry. This he designed for Marion to wear, for she could make no headway with her long skirts in those rugged mountain paths, besides which the dress would serve partially for a disguise if required. This he had informed her of in the usual way, and told her to lay aside all false delicacy, and when he should throw the clothes into her cell to put them on instantly. Finally the gang had disappeared, and the coast was comparatively clear for the young American to carry out his well-digested plans for escape, comicbooks.co ‘ ao ey a te mM