along a narrow gorge, formed by the course of a mountain stream, the precipitous banks of which afforded a footing at once painful and precarious. The travellers were frequently obliged to descend into the gulph, and trust to their agility for a passage among the rocks, between which the torrent fretted and eddied, and then to re-ascend, when a cataract, bursting from some cliff on high, impeded their progress. The narrowness of the pass completely shut out the adjoining scenery, and huge chesnut trees hanging over head diminished the scanty light afforded by the lateness of the hour. Pepino's last observation was made when an opening in the rock to the left showed a plat of green turf gently ascending to the top of the hill, where, under a clump of large forest trees, appeared a small and miserable hut, constructed of wood, mud, and straw. The splendid panorama visible from it, however, almost counterbalanced in the mind of his guest its numerous disadvantages. Immediately beneath appeared the lovely valley of Barva, winding between the mountains until it opened into the plain, bounded by the sea which skirted the western horizon; and on the other hand, stretching north and south, that branch of the Appenine which intersects Calabria elevated its numerous peaks in terrific majesty. One remarkable

object was discernable on the highest point of the eminence at a short distance from the cottage, which was a large pile composed of faggots, straw, and fern, evidently intended as a beacon, whose blaze would be visible over the whole vast tract of country that spread itself around.

If the external appearance of Pepino's mansion were uninviting, that of the interior was no less so. The entire furniture consisted of a rudely fashioned table and three-legged stool, both evidently of his own manufacture. In place of a bed, one half the floor of the apartment was thickly spread with straw, overlaid with an ample cloak, and over this simple couch a rifle rested on two nails, driven into the wall about half a yard from the floor. A basket was suspended from the roof; an aperture from the centre of which served the purposes of a chimney. On the ground immediately beneath were a few half-burnt faggots, and close at hand was an earthen pan, entirely covered with smoke. A small lamp hung from the wall, and on the same nail was suspended an oaken crucifix. This devotional emblem Pepino reverently kissed, at the same time crossing himself and muttering a short prayer. This duty performed, he invited his guest to be seated, and having struck a light and collected the embers on the floor, soon succeeded in producing a cheerful blaze. He then sprang on the table, and reaching down the basket, took out its contents, consisting of a piece of ham, a loaf, a flask of wine, and a drinking cup.

"Whilst Pepino was engaged in these hospitable preparations, his guest was attentively observing him, and musing on the singularity of his habits and manners. From the remote situation of the cottage, the total absence of cultivation without and of comfort within, it seemed improbable that it could be intended as the permanent residence of its occupant; and these circumstances nourished a suspicion in the traveller's mind that his host was leagued with some troop of the mountain outlaws, and he began to repent his hasty acceptance of Pepino's invitation. On the other hand, the cheerfulness and good nature con

spicuous in the countenance of his guide, restored his confidence. Still his curiosity was excited, and he resolved to gratify it if possible.

Pepino now took from his pocket a large clasp-knife, which he presented to the traveller, and invited him to partake of the food set before him.

"This is hard fare, sir, for you," said he; "but 'tis the best I have, and"

"No apologies, friend," interrupted his companion. "I am too grateful for your hospitality to stand in need of them. My long journey and this sharp mountain air have given me a relish for this savoury ham of yours,-Caspetto! the blessed St. Antony himself would not desire a better;" and he proceeded in his repast with all the ardour which youth and health, stimulated by exertion, can impart.

Having thus fairly set his guest to work, Pepino's next care was to shake up the straw which was to serve for their couch.

He then took down the lamp, trimmed, lighted, and placed it on the table. His household cares being thus dispatched, he threw himself on the floor, and observing the eagerness with which his new acquaintance devoured his supper, exclaimed cheerfully

"Evviva! Signorino; buon appetito.'

The youth suddenly paused, not having until that moment perceived that his entertainer had not yet touched a morsel; so soon does our boasted courtesy yield to the imperious demands of nature.

"You must indeed wonder at my appetite," said he, contending with his confusion," since it has rendered me indifferent to that of my kind host. But why do you delay joining me?"

"No, no, sir," replied Pepino; "finish your supper, sir, and then I will begin. I don't sit at table with a cavalier like you."

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By the blood of Januarius!" exclaimed the youth laughing; "I little deemed my knightly qualities were so conspicuous in this panoply of sheepskin, or that so courtly a squire could be found in this wilderness; but prythee dispense with ceremonies now. Amid the luxuries and refinements of the capital I might tolerate them, but in these mountains they are both unnecessary and irksome; therefore, good friend, if I am to enjoy your hospitality, you must do the honours of the table.'

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Thus encouraged, Pepino, without further ceremony, commenced his meal, and for some minutes the silence remained unbroken. Presently, however, the wine flask was uncorked, each took a deep draught, and as the calls of hunger were now pretty well appeased, mutual curiosity soon found materials for conversation.

"How long have you lived in this remote situation?" inquired the young man.

"Now begins my catechism again," said Pepino, laughing, "but surely, Signor," he added, "I might first require to know who it is my confessor, since my name has been no secret."

"And if I tell you my name is Sebastian," replied the other, "how much wiser will you be, since you know nothing is easier than to find a name now-a-days."

Pepino shrugged his shoulders on hearing himself thus repaid in his own coin. He met the sally, however, with his characteristic good humour.

"Well then, Signor Sebastino," said he, “since that is the only name I am to know you by, I will at once answer your question by telling you that this is not my regular dwelling-place, but only a house of call -a sort of hunting-seat, as I may term it.

"Few in these times can boast their hunting-seat, as you term it," said Sebastian, for by this name Pepino's guest may for the present be known, "but with respect to this of yours, I should judge from its appearance, and that of its owner, that it served rather as a cover for the game than a resting-place for the hunter."

"That may, indeed, be the case this evening," answered Pepino, but I have not yet heard your history, Signor."

The arch smile of Pepino, as he thus shrewdly retorted the suspicion and evaded the question of his guest, convinced the latter that if he would carry his point he must alter his plan of attack.

"Well, friend," said he, "since you are not disposed to give me any information concerning yourself, perhaps you can be more communicative on a subject which, after all, is more interesting to me? me then, for I am a stranger, what news in Calabria ?"

Tell

"Truly, Sir, we of the mountains are little in the way of news. All I know is that the French are pacifying the country as they call it —that is they are hanging and shooting the poor peasantry by hundreds, and hunting them in all directions like wild beasts. The walls of Monteleone are garnished with heads as thick as melons at the Piazza del Mercato."

"Doubtless," answered his companion, "the honest Calabrians are duly grateful for these services. The heads you speak of are, of course, those of robbers and assassins.

*

"Rebels!" interrupted Pepino, "rebels is the word now. You know Signor, these foreigners bring us liberty as they call it, but what it means I never could find out however 'tis something that cannot be had without money, for the Monsùs scour the country, and cash, cash, is the word wherever they make their appearance-whoever refuses is a rebel, and then an example must be made. 'Tis soon done -make ready, present, and-paff! There lies the rebel, whilst his house, if he have one, is con-yes, confiscated—that's the term-to pay the expences of justice."

"Justice!" exclaimed Sebastian, "striking his brow in mingled horror and indignation. Power of Mercy, thy arm will surely aid the cause of insulted humanity! But tell me, friend, for 'tis of this immediate district I more especially seek information. How go affairs since the fatal day that caused the havoc I was contemplating when you met me."

"Much as they did before it," answered Pepino, "the only difference I know of is that three stripes hang from the flag staff on Castel Corvino, instead of a white sheet, and that the valley below is occupied by the foxes and crows instead of the tenantry of Riva."

"What then has become of the poor creatures?" said Sebastian. "Some are already eaten by the crows I was speaking of," replied Pepino; "some still remain yonder for their future dinners; some were hanged at St. Eufemia, and the rest

* Monzùs-Frenchmen.

"Aye! where are the rest?" eagerly inquired the youth.

"Scattered among the mountains," replied Pepino. "A few," he added, after a pause, "might perhaps be found within a few miles from hence." The eyes of Sebastian brightened at this information. "Could you conduct me to them," said he, "I cannot at present tempt you with the offer of reward, but if better times arrive I shall not forget your kindness."

Pepino remained for some moments absorbed in thought, his eyes fixed on his guest, as if weighing the policy of extending his confidence towards him-" you are then, even now, seeking them," said he

"Most gladly would I fall in with them," returned the youth, "but the main object of my journey is to find a friend, who, as I have heard in Sicily, is now a fugitive in these parts. But why all this caution, friend-what can you apprehend from me, alone, as I am, in this crow's nest of yours, and you, no doubt, surrounded with friends within the sound of your whistle. My principles are already known to you-I am yet ignorant of yours, and it rests with you to betray or befriend me as you list. Assist me and you gain a friend, molest me and you will find one to whom life is indifferent, but who will sell it as dearly as possible. Know then, at once, I am seeking Henry, Count Leonforte."

At the mention of this name, Pepino, who had hitherto been quietly reposing himself by the fire, started up at once, his countenance expressive both of surprize and joy.

"Oh, Corpo di Dio! my brave master!" he exclaimed, " is it possible! Why could you not say so long since ?"

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in

"Because though I valued not my own neck, I had some regard for yours-you know there are some things not to be uttered except ten miles out at sea. But know you where the Count is to be found?" ""Till twelve this night he will be found," answered Pepino, the midst of his brave followers, with the retainers of Riva among them, not two miles hence-but before to-morrow morning he will be at the head of five thousand men."

"What mean you?" said Sebastian, much surprised.

"Did you mark that huge beacon hard by," said Pepino, "I have orders to kindle it when I shall see the signal of the chief blazing from the hill yonder, in the east-it will be answered by a hundred fires from the mountains around, and then hurrah for Ferdinand, and woe to the French-but Signor what mean you?"

Ere this speech was concluded Sebastian had started to his feet, with surprize and anxiety in his looks. "I must hence," he exclaimed, seizing his hat. "Up instantly, friend, we must seek Leonforte without delay."

"But, Signor,"

"Hinder me not," interrupted the youth, "there is life and death in my speed-follow me."

"That I dare not do," said Pepino. "Here I must remain till I have executed my master's orders.'

"It must not be-it must not be," exclaimed the youth, "all is ruined if the beacon be fired. Away with me instantly, or at least," he added, seeing Pepino irresolute, "at least direct me to the place."

Pepino stared with amazement, unbarred the unwieldy gate, and presently both stood in the open air.

The night was calm, but dark, for thick clouds obscured the moon ; and the dead stillness of the air seemed portentous of an approaching storm. At intervals, however, a low murmur was audible as of conflicting winds among the distant mountains, whose peaks were revealed by faint flashes of lightning. All these signs were observed by Pepino, who immediately betook himself to securing the mass of combustibles intended for the beacon, by heaping large fragments of stone upon it, regardless of Sebastian's earnest entreaty to point out the road he was to take. The rustling of the leaves now indicated the first onset of the tempest-the thunder was heard pealing at a distance, whilst darker and denser masses of cloud swept awfully across the heavens. Sebastian's impatience could no longer be controlled. "Since you will not shew me the way," said he, angrily, "I must seek it myself-Farewell."

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Nay," said Pepino, stay at least until the storm abates. 'Twill be dangerous work clambering among the cliffs while the lightning is playing among them."

"And more dangerous staying here listening to thy prate. Show me the road, or'

"Since it must be so," said Pepino, "and as I see your worship is getting angry, keep the banks of the river for about half a mile, and you will see a large tree lying across the stream; then cross the hill to the right, and you will again hear the noise of the same river falling in a cataract; you are then at your journey's end."

"But how shall I recognise the retreat of the chief?"

"Some of the colonel's followers are sure to be about," said Pepino, "and take care what answer you give to their questions, for believe me, they are capital marksmen, of which I'll give you a proof-you must know

"Thanks, thanks, and farewell," exclaimed Sebastian, and he rushed down the hill leaving the astonished Pepino to tell his tale to the winds.

He pursued his way through darkness and storm, after encountering perils which it were tedious to recount, until the heavy boom of the cataract, mentioned by Pepino, was just discernable amid the roar of the elements. Scarcely, however, had he commenced the descent of the hill, when the hoarse voice of a man jarring discordantly upon the sublime strains in which nature now made herself audible, startled him from his musing.

"Stand, or I fire!"

Turning in the direction of the sound, Sebastian beheld a warlike figure standing beneath a sheltering rock, with presented rifle. In this attitude, his ample cloak falling slightly from the person revealed the accoutrements of a brigand. An eye of flame glared along the tube which was raised to it, while the stern voice conveyed a second brief summons.- "Who are you?"

"A friend."

"What seek you here?"

"Your Colonel-Leonforte."

The rifle was lowered from its threatening position.