The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

100 THE SIX SISTERS OF THE VALLEYS.
like your dame to be measured for a pair of
boots, stretched on her back here ?"
" I can't say, Antonio, that I could ex-
actly," said Guiseppe, as he took his hammer
and tapped the various screws and nails in
the machine. "Here's a catch, lend me
the brad awl ; there, I'll scotch this with a
pin, and then it will do Father Alexander's
work." So saying he went over the ma-
chine with his hammer again. The clink-
ing strokes sounded gloomily through the
dungeon, and inspired his companion with
horror.
" Comrade," said Antonio, " I don't
like it. Ah, I hear the bell striking twelve.
Blessed Mary !
it's the hour that ghosts
are scenting their supper in the church-
yards."
"You're an old fool," said Guiseppe
"if you're in a fright, down on your knees
and cross yourself," Said he, jumping on
the machine, and sitting on it with his legs
dangling down.
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