Mezzoni the Brigand — page 125: what you’re looking at

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

MEZZONI THE BRIGAND. 117 ‘It does, indeed. I am so thoroughly refreshed ; it seems as though I could walk all day.’’ ‘You are a brave girl, Marion.’’ Walter Hammond did not much fear the two men whom he had left behind at the cave, though they were able fellows and trusted ones, or else they would not have been left in charge of the strong- hold, and of so valuable a prisoner. Still he thought the chances, as against these two men, were in his favor. True they had rifles while he had only re- volvers, but he must not let them take him at long range. Sofar as pistols would prove effective, he knew that he was a good shot, doubtless much bet- ter than they were. On leaving the cave he had at first selected a good rifle, and the proper ammunition to serve it, but, upon reflection. he realized that it would prove to be a serious impediment to his progress. He had wandered for days among the paths, or rather path- less spots, and felt that his revolvers were all the weapons that he could carry with advantage. His greatest fear was that these two men might be able to bring back a portion of the gang who had departed, and thus hunt them in numbers. Of course, if this was the case, his chances of escape would be greatly lessened. However, he kept these speculations to himself, and to,Marion’s questions he only replied that they would hope for the best, and go on as rapidly as possible. The sleeping po- tion would hold them until sunrise he felt sure, but that hour had already arrived, and the robbers might be able to make as much headway after them in one hour’s time as they had accomplished during the first part of the night, before pausing for rest. Eomicbooks " : . . * . * 4 | ou : ‘a at .