Mezzoni the Brigand — page 55: what you’re looking at

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

MEZZONI THE BRIGAND. 47 a bright, clear eye, and gradually to become a man once more. ‘‘A few more hours of hunger,” said he at last to those about him, ‘“‘and I would have beaten my brains out against the rocks to end the misery.”’ “Very good, but what shall we do with you? Those who have the good or ill fortune to find their way hither, rarely return to the valley,’’ said the leader. ‘‘T don’t want to return,’”’ said the man with some anxiety of expression. ‘‘They’d arrest me, and I should be sent back to the ship.’’ .“That’s true. The English Consul is a sharp fel- low, and looks after you deserters .”’ ‘‘Haven’t you got a gang here?” asked the sailor, looking around him. 28 air? “Smugeglers?”’ **Not exactly.”’ ‘‘No matter. Let me join you?’’ 3 ‘Ha, ha! Well, that’s bold,’ said the leader. “What use could you be to us?’ ‘“‘T’m strong, and not easily frightened. I’m a good hand at shooting-irons.”’ ‘Fair qualities,’’ was the answer; ‘‘but we’ve got them already.’’ ‘“‘Have you a man who can stand up before me without a weapon?” said the sailor, rolling back his sleeves, or what was once a sleeve, and showing his muscles. ‘Oh, yes.’’ ‘“‘T doubt it,’’ said the straggler. “Here, Vecchio, come out here,’’ said the robber to some one inside the cave. ‘‘Here’s an English sailor who is suffering for a flogging. Will you try him??? Eomicbooks (Efe)