surprised at this request, observed to him, that absolution was only given after sins were committed.  Spatolino very soon quieted the scruples of the curate, by making him a present of a very handsome watch; upon which he immediately raised his hands and gave him the desired absolution.  Sonnino may be compared with Pontus, where Ovid was in exile, and which is thus described by that celebrated author:—­“The men I meet with are not even worthy of the name; they are more fierce than wolves; have no laws, as with them armed force constitutes justice, and injury rights.  They live by rapine, but seek it not without peril, and sword in hand.  Every other way of purveying for their necessities they view as base and ignominious.  It is enough for them to be seen to be hated and dreaded.  The sound of their voice is ferocious; their physiognomy horrible, and their complexion cadaverous.”  Just such are the inhabitants of Sonnino and its vicinity at present, and among such Spatolino came to complete his band, which, when formed in Rome, consisted of seven only.

Before proceeding on his expedition, and to attach his wife more closely to his person by proving his strong affection, he left his band and proceeded to Civita Vecchia, and seeking a sailor who had seduced her, he expressed a wish to speak with him a little distance from the town.  The sailor, conceiving it might be something to his advantage, followed immediately.  Spatolino conducted him a little beyond the gate of Civita Vecchia, and giving him two thrusts of his stiletto in his heart, cut off his ears and nose, to carry them as a present to his wife, and then departed immediately for Sonnino.  On his arrival, he proceeded to seek Mary and his band.  After the usual salutations, he took out of his pocket the small bundle containing the nose and ears of the sailor, and, presenting them to his wife, said, “From this you may judge my affection.  I was desirous of avenging your wrongs, and have done so by killing your seducer.  Here are the pledges of it, which you should keep, in order to remind you of the betrayer, and as a guard against future temptation.  You cannot mistrust me, when I promise ever to afford you proofs of true attachment, and I hope you will be faithful to me!” After this they embraced affectionately, and swore to each other eternal fidelity.  Nor is it possible for any man to have kept his word more scrupulously towards his wife.  The following day Spatolino departed at the head of his band, which was composed of eighteen persons, himself and wife included, and proceeded to the vicinity of Portatta, near the main road leading from Rome to Naples, which at that time was much frequented by the French of every rank and condition, who proceeded under orders between these two places.  Towards night, Spatolino placed himself and comrades in ambush on the high road, intending to take advantage of a military body of which he had information.  Ere long a sound of horses was heard; they were immediately