The Duke's Prize A Story of Art and Heart in Florence

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lmost inaccessible, unless one knows the secret paths which have been hewn up the sides of the rocks, and through the otherwise impassable undergrowth of the forest, by the perseverance and labors of the robbers. The rude castle, which I would now describe to you, was built with consummate mili

ely under the control of the master spirit, whom they called captain. Hark! A peculiar wild cry rings over the tree-tops, and echoes among the rocks and hills; and observe how quickly those who have been loitering upon the ground spring to their

ve laid violent hands upon, with garments torn and soiled, with a step that indicated weakness almost to death itself, the face disfigured by unshorn beard and

s man?' asked Petard, r

utskirts, captain, and we thought

What have you to say for yourself, fellow? What brough

, food!' gaspe

Petard, with a natural burst of feelin

did he seem. Gradually, as the wine warmed his veins, and the food, to which some dried meats had been added, began to satisfy the cravings of hunger, the stranger rose from his bending posture, and new life seemed infused into his system. His eyes, though somewhat hollow, see

wel of a fellow,' said Petard, carefully scanning the new comer, who s

e food, and you may then t

d Petard, who was evidently pleased wit

the following morning, when, after another abundant meal, he seemed like a new creature; he stood erect, and his fine dark eye shone with the fire of resolution and of strength. His story was soon told; he

ow the secret of our paths through the mountain, and it is not s

f you, then,' s

our way; and men must possess peculiar qualities to obt

a ready hand are worth somethi

l possess these,

the stranger, empha

n you?' as

his services is a better man than

espects?' a

onstitute manhood,' wa

to-day I am myself ag

m from me in the use

has giv

s, you mean to s

stranger, evidently desiring to display some pro

he ground chosen, and the contest begun. The skill, strategy and strength of the stranger were confounding to the robber, and he was cast upon the ground totally disabled in a very few moments. The robbers being angry at this, another stepped forward, was vanquished as quick

ill. After an evening of revelry, the band was sleeping, and the single guard paced to and fro, apparently not daring to sit down lest he should fall asleep. In the lone tower above him was the fair prisoner. She realized her true situation, and she knew that her father would use every endeavor to raise the sum requisite for her

she is thus moved? Perhaps there are recollections connected with this air that are particularly affecting to her, for her fair bosom heaves quickly, and her whole figure seems agitated, as she gazes out upon the nig

magic at work? That is certainly the voice of Egbert, but yo

oment the new member of the band drew towards it. All was still; the revellers s

rd, with his hands to his mouth, so as

ert! Is it indeed you

evoted lover; be dis

s he," interr

ut this dress-the office you fill. Wha

obbers to liberate thee. Be careful, watchful, but never appear to reg

er-' lisp

go well if thou wilt but be cautious.'

e fly?' s

orrow night, for I have the watch here for two nights,

mere formality, and Bettina sobbed upon his breast, blessing him for his, courage in thus seeking to rescue her. These were precious moments, and they improved them in a

n's daughter was the hostage held for his safety and the fulfilment of the contract, and demands a second quarter of the ransom. He was a dark, sinister looking Jew-for this was the class through whom the bandits universally per

ved the Jew, listened patiently to

of gold thou hast already rece

' replied

additional two hundred and

usiness,' wa

bligatory note for five hu

bag of gold, and after a

true valuation, I can make up the sum on the

,' replied t

gree to

money,' said t

e table two hundred and fifty marks of gold

to this transaction,' said the

e between ourselves

by Karl Etzwell were thrown open, and two persons, a lady and gentl

e. 'This is the exact sum that was paid to thee four weeks since. It is now returned, and you are a marked man. If seen a

aptive who will pay the penalty of all th

our principal could inform you that his bird has flown,

at the loss he had experienced. But the iron grip of Egbert's powerful hand upon hi

e," added Carlton, "and often relate the story of the manner in which the famous

ending, indeed,