Mezzoni the Brigand — page 23: what you’re looking at

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

MEZZONI THE BRIGAND. 15 city, who will be so good as to forward money for your release.”’ ‘“How much??”’ ‘“They will know,’ was the reply. ‘Supposing I refuse?’’ ‘You will not be so foolish.” “Why not?’ ‘Because it will cost your life.”’ ‘You are very confident. “It is my style,’’? was the cool rejoinder. The brigand stooped down, and placing the paper upon his knee, was filling in a date and preparing it for signature when the traveler thought this was his chance, so stepping back a couple of paces, he aimed and fired his pistol at the robber’s head. The man did not even raise his face, but coolly finished his penciled writing, then turning to the Englishman, he said, without the least emotion: ‘‘Perhaps you would like to try your other pistol, as you have failed with this!”’ ‘It seems that you are bullet proof,’’ said the traveler, in amazement. “Not exactly. When you next have occasion to dine at a country inn——”’ ““Ah, I understand, I will take better care not to leave my pistols in my outside coat-pocket.”’ ‘““‘T see you understand the hint, which may be of future service to you.”’ The terrified driver was ordered to mount his horse once more, and to change his course as directed. The Englishman was offered the one alternative—to sign the paper or be shot, and he saw very plainly that the brigand meant exactly what he threatened. In- deed the man’s imperturbable coolness astonished him, and he saw that he was entirely at his mercy, _ Eomicboo SS (ef 0)