Mezzoni the Brigand — page 94: what you’re looking at

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

86 MEZZONI THE BRIGAND. their mutual intercourse. A plain sort of undress uniform was worn by all, and the two officers bore a simple insignia of their rank on their left breasts, besides which, unlike the other men, they wore at all times a short, serviceable sword at the side. They answered every morning at roll-call, and paraded at given hours like a regular military corps. A heavy rock was so poised that with little exer- tion it could be thrown across the opening or en- trance to the cave, while loop-holes appeared through interstices of the walls, where the garrison could pick off an outside foe without themselves being in danger. ‘The plateau in front of the stronghold had been cleared of rocks and everything that might afford shelter to an attacking party, thus showing that every precaution had been taken. There were always two men on guard, night and day, one being placed near the entrance to the cave, and another down the only path leading to the pla- teau, some dozen rods, and at special times still another was added farther down the mountain within hailing distance of the last. There was no drinking or carousing; the men played games, prac- ticed feats of strength, and amused themselves in a quiet, rational manner, when not out on actual ser- vice. Undoubtedly it was owing to the excellent organi- zation of these banditti that they had been enabled for years to defy the government, and to carry on such a successful career of public plunder in Neapol- itan territory. | The stranger who had been brought in, and who was found straggling in the hills, he who had so thoroughly beaten Vecchio in the stand-up fight, had made friends with one and all since that day. comicboo