CHAPTER III: THE TRIAL OF STRENGTH.



Scarcely were the bravoes seated, when Cinthia (for that was the
young woman's name) was again summoned to the door; and the company
was now increased by two new-comers, who examined their unknown
guest from head to foot.

"Now, then," cried one of these, who had conducted Abellino to this
respectable society, "let us see what you are like."

As he said this he raised a burning lamp from the table, and the
light of its flame was thrown full upon Abellino's countenance.

"Lord, forgive me my sins!" screamed Cinthia; "out upon him! what an
ugly hound it is!"

She turned hastily round, and hid her face with her hands. Dreadful
was the look with which Abellino repaid her compliment.

"Knave," said one of the banditti, "Nature's own hand has marked you
out for an assassin--come, prithee be frank, and tell us how thou
hast contrived so long to escape the gibbet? In what gaol didst
thou leave thy last fetters? Or from what galley hast thou taken
thy departure, without staying to say adieu?"