“Well, Florinda, you must go with me in imagination to the mountain fastness, which I referred to as the robbers’ stronghold in the mountains.  A month nearly had passed since the period of Bettina’s being carried away from her home, and the time I would introduce you there.  It is a wild spot, almost 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 military skill, and the walls and bastions, though small and low, could hold out a long time against any strength that might be brought against it.  Ever prepared for an enemy, too, was its cautious master and his outposts were as regularly set as are those of an advancing army in an enemy’s country.

“Hither had the fair Bettina been conducted; and here, with a simple peasant girl to serve her, had she been treated with all respect, save that she was a prisoner.  Rude were the inhabitants of this uncongenial spot; fierce in aspect, but completely 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 feet, and Petard himself comes forth from that portion of the tower devoted to his retirement.  That was some recognized signal-that cry which, to the uninitiated, might have been mistaken for the whoop of an owl, or some wild bird’s cry of fright.

“The secret is soon disclosed.  That signal betokened the taking of a captive, and there was soon led into their midst the person of one whom misery seemed to have 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 hair, and eyes that looked sunken and large from famine.  Such was the bent and woe-begone figure that was now half-supported, half-led into the midst of the band.

“‘From whence comes this man?’ asked Petard, regarding him curiously.

“’He was found lurking about our outskirts, captain, and we thought it best to arrest and bring him in.’

“‘It is well,’ continued the captain of the robbers.  ’What have you to say for yourself, fellow?  What brought you in these regions, away from town and habitations?’

“‘Give me food, food!’ gasped the prisoner.

“‘Ay, by our lady, he’s famished,’ said Petard, with a natural burst of feeling.  ‘Here, bring bread-a flask of wine.’