A Dark Look-Out.

Waikato Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2087, 21 November 1885, Page 2 (Supplement)

A Dark Look-Out.

Two traveller* riding on horseback through the south of Italy lost their way, and beintf overtaken by the darkneai, their only pl<m was to seek for Eome habitation where they might rest for the Dight, ia tho hopa that, with the help of a guide, they might resume their journey in the morning. After wandering about for some time they reached a house, which they entered, not without some misgivings, for it had a gloomy, suspicious look about it. Ilere Osy found, seated at the table, a family of charcoal burners, who invited thorn to share their repast. Being huDgry after tho long ride they readily accepted the invitation; but on looking round the room ihcy were surprised to see pistols, eabres, cutlasses, and guns hung all round tho walls. The younger of the two travellers entered very freely into conver "ation with his ho3tn, telling them whence thry came, wh<-re they were going, and who they were. lie aleo promised them ample payment for their kindness on the morrow. He exhibited great anxiety about hi 3 valise, and put it on his bed M a pillow, declaring that he would have no other. The strangers were then shown up a ladder into an attic- which was vied as % store-room for provision. Thi3 was to ba their sleeping pl&03 ; and tfce younger _ traveller lay down and was aoon asleep, bis head resting on the precious valiso, which, however, contained only a few of his sweetheart's love letters. . Tho other, not liking the look of things, resolved to Bit up all night and watch ; bo making a good lire, ha Fat down beside it. Ju3t bTforc dawn ho heard the husband and wife talking together, and, putting hi*? ear to the chimney, which coramunioated with the, j room below, he distinctly heard the husband "Must we kill both of them?" To which the wifo replied, "Yes I" After this there was silence for a time, lhe traveller's blood ran cold to think of the fate that seemed to await himself and his companion, and how little chance there waa ot escape. Io about a quarter of an hour he heard someone ascending the ladder, and through the chinks of the door he saw the husband, closely followed by his wifo, tho former hayI ing a shaded lantern in one hand and a large knife in the othsr. Tho tmveller hid himsell behind the door, which was opened by tba man, who, handing the lantern to his wife, crept in on his bare feet. Following behind him, she whispered— " Gently ! Go gently I" Approaching the bed on which the younger traveller lay extended, with throat exposed, with one hand the intruder seized his knife, and with the other took hold of a ham whioh hung from the roof, cut a piece off, and withdrew a~s quickly as ho came. The door closed behind him, the light disappeared, and the trembling traveller was left alone with hia reflections. Next morning, on coming down to the room below, they found a vary nice breakfast prepared for them. Two fowls were on tire table, one of whioh tho guests had to eat, and tho other tho hostoss insisted on their taking with them. When tho suspicious traveller saw the two fowls he understood the moaning of the dreadful word*, " Must we kill both of them?"

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