Among the Brigands

by James De Mille

"Among the Brigands" by James De Mille is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Uncle Moses and his four young nephews—Frank, Clive, David, and Bob—who embark on a journey through Italy. Initially filled with excitement and curiosity about the sights they encounter, the narrative soon takes a dramatic turn as they face unexpected challenges, including encounters with local thieves and misadventures that put them in peril. At the start of the novel, Uncle Moses and the boys arrive in Naples, where they are quickly besieged by a chaotic crowd clamoring for their luggage. Amidst the confusion, they inadvertently find themselves in a series of comedic yet alarming situations, including a nighttime confrontation with a mischievous goat. The adventure escalates as the boys explore the surrounding areas, meet beggars, and encounter hostile locals, particularly when David inadvertently offends a sacred image in a church, leading to a mob's fury. The opening chapters effectively establish the lighthearted yet thrilling tone of their journey, hinting at both danger and camaraderie as they navigate their way through Italian landscapes and chaotic encounters.