d the
mob with terror. During the disturbances at the time of the cholera
outbreak, two squadrons of Hussars were easily able to quell the whole
riot. It was impossible to calculate how many robbers and peasants the
four and twenty Uhlans were capable of coping with. So, at least, the
county magistrates believed.

The soldiers were commanded by a lieutenant, the post-wagons were under
the charge of an official accountant and a comptroller. All the
postillions were provided with pistols and it was strictly ordered that
the wagons were not to travel on the high-road after six o'clock. There
was no lack of precaution, anyhow!

Now when the post wagons had reached the celebrated Bridge of Piski,[45]
lo, there and then, face to face, four and twenty horsemen came, riding
towards them from the opposite side of the bridge and the five and
twentieth was Fatia Negra.

[Footnote 45: It was here that a small band of Hungarians under Czsez
and Kureny held a whole Austrian army at bay on Feb. 9, 1849.--_Tr._]

All the four and twenty had black crape wound round their faces, their
clothes had the lining turned outwards and they were well provided with
swords, csakanys[46] and muskets. Fatia Negra himself rode a vigorous
black stallion and held in his hand a broad, naked sword.

[Footnote 46: Hooked axes.]

The horse of the Uhlan lieutenant took fright at the sight of the black
faces and began to rear, it was as much as his rider could do to prevent
him from springing over the parapet of the bridge.

Fatia Negra and his band halted in the centre of the bridge and did not
budge from the spot.

The lieutenant was a brave soldier, who never lost his presence of mind;
he tightened the reins of his plunging horse and turning towards
Black-Mask, exclaimed: "Who are you, what do you want, and why do you
block up the bridge?"

A deep, thundrous manly voice replied to him from afar: "I am Fatia
Negra. The treasure which you have with you is mine,--it has been stolen
from me. I now want to have it back again. I have brought hither a man
to every man of yours, we are as strong as you. I meet you openly in the
light of day. Give me back my gold or you shall have a taste of my
iron."

The lieutenant, who was one of the best swordsmen and one of the bravest
heroes in the regiment, did not think twice about accepting the
challenge, but put spurs to his steed and fell upon the adventurer who
awaited him in the middle of the bridge.

He