AndColombareplied，withherusualcomposure，thatOrsowasinthe/maquis/；thathewasbeingtakencareofbyabandit；thatitwouldbeagreatriskforhimtoshowhimselfuntilhewassureofthelinetheprefectandthejudgeswerelikelytotake；and，finally，thatshewouldmanagetohavehimsecretlyattendedbyaskilfulsurgeon。
　　"Aboveallthings，colonel，"sheadded，"rememberthatyouheardthefourshots，andthatyoutoldmeOrsofiredlast。"
　　Thecolonelcouldmakeneitherheadnortailofthebusiness，andhisdaughterdidnothingbutheavesighsanddryhereyes。
　　Thedaywasfaradvanced，whenagloomyprocessionwendeditswayintothevillage。ThebodiesofhistwosonswerebroughthometoLawyerBarricini，eachcorpsethrownacrossamule，whichwasledbyapeasant。Acrowdofdependentsandidlersfollowedthedreary/cortege/。Withitappearedthegendarmes，whoalwayscameintoolate，andthedeputy-mayor，throwinguphishands，andincessantlyrepeating，"WhatwillSignorPrefettosay！"Someofthewomen，amongthemOrlanduccio’sfoster-mother，weretearingtheirhairandshriekingwildly。Buttheirclamorousgriefwaslessimpressivethanthedumbdespairofoneman，onwhomalleyeswerefixed。Thiswasthewretchedfather，whopassedfromonecorpsetotheother，liftinguptheearth-soiledheads，kissingtheblackenedlips，supportingthelimbsthatwerestiffalready，asifhewouldsavethemfromthejoltingoftheroad。Nowandthenheopenedhismouthasthoughabouttospeak，butnotacrycame，notaword。Hiseyesneverleftthedeadbodies，andashewalked，heknockedhimselfagainstthestones，againstthetrees，againsteveryobstaclethatchancedtolieinhispath。
　　Thewomen’slamentationsgrewlouder，andthemen’scursesdeeper，whenOrso’shouseappearedinsight。WhensomeshepherdsofthedellaRebbiapartyventuredonatriumphantshout，theirenemy’sindignationbecameungovernable。"Vengeance！Vengeance！"exclaimedseveralvoices。
　　Stoneswerethrown，andtwoshots，firedatthewindowsoftheroominwhichColombaandherguestsweresitting，piercedtheoutsideshutters，andcarriedsplintersofwoodontothetableatwhichthetwoladieswereworking。MissLydiascreamedviolently，thecolonelsnatchedupagun，andColomba，beforehecouldstopher，rushedtothedoorofthehouseandthrewitviolentlyopen。There，standinghighonthethreshold，withhertwohandsoutstretchedtocurseherenemies：
　　"Cowards！"shecried。"Youfireonwomenandonforeigners！AreyouCorsicans？Areyoumen？Wretches，whocanonlymurderamanfrombehind。Comeon！Idefyyou！Iamalone！Mybrotherisfaraway！Come！
　　killme，killmyguests！Itwouldbeworthyofyou！……Butyoudarenot，cowardsthatyouare！Youknowweavengeourwrongs！Awaywithyou！Go，weeplikewomen，andbethankfulwedonotaskyouformoreblood！"
　　TherewassomethingterribleandimposinginColomba’svoiceandmien。
　　Atthesightofherthecrowdrecoiledasthoughitbeheldoneofthoseevilfairiesofwhichsomanytalesaretoldonlongwinterevenings，inCorsica。Thedeputy-mayor，thegendarmes，andafewwomenseizedtheopportunity，andthrewthemselvesbetweenthetwofactions；
　　forthedellaRebbiaherdsmenwerealreadyloadingtheirguns，andforamomentageneralfightinthemiddleofthesquarehadappearedimminent。Butthetwopartieswerebothleaderless，andCorsicans，whoserageisalwayssubjecttodiscipline，seldomcometoblowsunlessthechiefauthorsoftheirinternecinequarrelsarepresent。
　　Besides，Colomba，whohadlearnedprudencefromvictory，restrainedherlittlegarrison。
　　"Letthepoorfolksweepinpeace，"shesaid。"Lettheoldmancarryhisownfleshhome。Whatisthegoodofkillinganoldfoxwhohasnoteethlefttobitewith，……GiudiceBarricini！Rememberthe2dofAugust！Remembertheblood-stainedpocket-bookinwhichyouwrotewithyourforger’shand！Myfatherhadwrittendownyourdebt！Yoursonshavepaidit。Youmaygofree，oldBarricini！"
　　Withfoldedarmsandascornfulsmileuponherlips，Colombawatchedthebearerscarrythecorpsesofherenemiesintotheirhome，andthecrowdwithoutitmeltgraduallyaway。Thensheclosedherowndoor，and，goingbackintothedining-room，shesaidtothecolonel：
　　"Ibeg，sir，youwillforgivemyfellow-countrymen！InevercouldhavebelievedthatanyCorsicanwouldhavefiredonahousethatshelteredstrangers，andIamashamedofmycountry。"
　　Thatnight，whenMissLydiahadgoneuptoherroom，thecolonelfollowedher，andinquiredwhethertheyhadnotbettergetoutofavillagewheretheyranincessantriskofhavingabulletthroughtheirheads，theverynextmorning，andleavethiscountry，seethingwithtreacheryandmurder，assoonaspossible。
　　MissNevildidnotanswerforsometime，andherfather’ssuggestionevidentlycausedherconsiderableperplexity。Atlastshesaid：
　　"Howcanweleavethispooryoungcreature，justwhensheissomuchinneedofconsolation？Don’tyouthinkthatwouldbecruel，father？"
　　"Ionlyspokeonyouraccount，child，"saidthecolonel。"AndIassureyouthatifIoncefeltyouweresafeinthehotelatAjaccio，I
　　shouldbeverysorrytoleavethiscursedislandmyself，withoutshakingthatpluckyfellowdellaRebbia’shandagain。"
　　"Wellthen，father，letuswaitawhile，andbeforewestartletusmakequitesurewecannotbeofanyusetothem。"
　　"Kindsoul！"saidthecolonel，ashekissedhisdaughter’sforehead。
　　"Itisapleasuretoseeyousacrificeyourselfforthesakeofsofteningotherpeople’ssuffering。Letusstayon。Weshallneverhavetorepenthavingdoneright。"
　　MissLydiatossedsleeplesslytoandfroinherbed。Sometimesshetookthevaguenightsoundsforpreparationsforanattackonthehouse。Sometimes，lessalarmedonherownaccount，shethoughtofpoorwoundedOrso，whowasprobablylyingonthecoldearth，withnohelpbeyondwhatshemightexpectfromabandit’scharity。Shefanciedhimcoveredwithblood，andwrithinginhideoussuffering；andtheextraordinarythingwasthatwheneverOrso’simageroseupbeforehermind’seye，shealwaysbeheldhimasshehadseenhimwhenherodeaway，pressingthetalismanshehadbestoweduponhimtohislips。
　　Thenshemusedoverhiscourage。Shetoldherselfhehadexposedhimselftothefrightfuldangerhehadjustescapedonheraccount，justforthesakeofseeingheralittlesooner。Averylittlemore，andshewouldhavepersuadedherselfthatOrsohadearnedhisbrokenarminherdefence！Shereproachedherselfwithbeingthecauseofhiswound。Butsheadmiredhimforitallthemore，andifthatcelebratedrightandleftwasnotsosplendidafeatinhersightasinBrandolaccio’sorColomba’s，stillshewasconvincedfewheroesofromancecouldeverhadbehavedwithsuchintrepidityandcoolness，insodangerousapinch。
　　HerroomwasthatusuallyoccupiedbyColomba。Aboveakindofoaken/prie-dieu/，andbesideasprigofblessedpalm，alittleminiatureofOrso，inhissub-lieutenant’suniform，hungonthewall。MissNeviltooktheportraitdown，lookedatitforalongtime，andlaiditatlastonthetablebyherbed，insteadofhangingitupagaininitsplace。Shedidnotfallasleeptilldaybreak，andwhenshewokethesunhadtravelledhighabovethehorizon。InfrontofherbedshebeheldColomba，waiting，motionless，tillsheshouldopenhereyes。
　　"Well，dearlady，areyounotveryuncomfortableinthispoorhouseofours？"saidColombatoher。"Ifearyouhavehardlysleptatall。"
　　"Haveyouanynews，dearfriend？"criedMissNevil，sittingupinbed。
　　HereyefellonOrso’spicture，andshehastilytossedherhandkerchiefuponit。
　　"Yes，Ihavenews，"saidColomba，withasmile。
　　Thenshetookupthepicture。
　　"Doyouthinkitlikehim？Heisbetterlookingthanthat！"
　　"Really，"stammeredMissNevil，quiteconfused，"Itookdownthatpictureinafitofabsence！Ihaveahorridhabitoftouchingeverythingandneverputtinganythingback！Howisyourbrother？"
　　"Fairlywell。Giocantocameherebeforefouro’clockthismorning。Hebroughtmealetterforyou，MissLydia。Orsohasn’twrittenanythingtome！ItisaddressedtoColomba，indeed，butunderneaththathehaswritten’ForMissN。’Butsistersareneverjealous！Giocantosaysithurthimdreadfullytowrite。Giocanto，whowritesasplendidhand，offeredtodoitathisdictation。Buthewouldnotlethim。Hewroteitwithapencil，lyingonhisback。Brandolaccioheldthepaperforhim。Mybrotherkepttryingtoraisehimself，andthentheveryslightestmovementgavehimthemostdreadfulagonyinhisarm。
　　Giocantosaysitwaspitiful。Hereishisletter。"
　　MissNevilreadtheletter，which，asanextraprecaution，nodoubt，waswritteninEnglish。Itscontentswereasfollows：
　　"MADEMOISELLE：Anunhappyfatehasdrivenmeon。Iknownotwhatmyenemieswillsay，whatslanderstheywillinvent。Icarelittle，solongasyou，mademoiselle，givethemnocredence！EversinceI
　　firstsawyouIhavebeennursingwilddreams。Ineededthiscatastrophetoshowmemyownfolly。
　　"Ihavecomebacktomysensesnow。Iknowthefuturethatliesbeforeme，andIshallfaceitwithresignation。Idarenotkeepthisringyougaveme，andwhichIbelievedtobealuckytalisman。Ifear，MissNevil，youmayregretyourgifthasbeensoill-bestowed。Orrather，Ifearitmayremindmeofthedaysofmyownmadness。Colombawillgiveittoyou。Farewell，mademoiselle！
　　YouareabouttoleaveCorsica，andIshallneverseeyouagain。
　　Buttellmysister，atleast，thatIstillpossessyouresteem——
　　andItellyou，confidently，thatIamstillworthyofit。
　　"O。D。R。"
　　MissLydiahadturnedawaywhileshereadtheletter，andColomba，whowaswatchingherclosely，gavehertheEgyptianring，withaninquiringglanceastowhatitallmeant。ButMissLydiadarednotraiseherhead，andlookeddejectedlyatthering，alternatelyputtingitonherfingerandpullingitoffagain。
　　"DearMissNevil，"saidColomba，"mayInotknowwhatmybrothersaystoyou？Doeshesayanythingabouthishealth？"
　　"Indeed，"saidMissLydia，colouring，"hedoesn’tmentionit。HisletterisinEnglish。Hedesiresmetotellmyfather——Hehopestheprefectwillbeabletoarrange————"
　　Withamischievoussmile，Colombasatdownonthebed，tookholdofbothMissNevil’shands，and，lookingatherwithherpiercingeyes——
　　"Willyoubekind？"shesaid。"Won’tyouanswermybrother’sletter？
　　Youwoulddohimsomuchgood！ForamomentIthoughtofwakingyouwhenhislettercame，andthenIdidn’tdare！"
　　"Youdidverywrong，"repliedMissNevil。"Ifawordfrommecould——"
　　"Ican’tsendhimanyletternow。Theprefecthasarrived，andPietraneraisfullofhispolicemen。Lateron，we’llseewhatwecando。Oh，MissNevil，ifyouonlyknewmybrother，youwouldlovehimasdearlyasIdo。He’ssogood！He’ssobrave！Justthinkofwhathehasdone！Onemanagainsttwo，andwoundedaswell！"
　　Theprefecthadreturned。Warnedbyanexpressmessengersentbythedeputy-mayor，hehadbroughtoverthepublicprosecutor，theregistrar，andalltheirmyrmidons，toinvestigatethefreshandterriblecatastrophewhichhadjustcomplicated，oritmaybeended，thewarfarebetweenthechieffamiliesofPietranera。Shortlyafterhisarrival，hesawthecolonelandhisdaughter，anddidnotconcealhisfearthatthebusinessmighttakeonanuglyaspect。
　　"Youknow，"hesaid，"thatthefighttookplacewithoutwitnesses，andthereputationofthesetwounhappymenstoodsohigh，bothforbraveryandcunning，thatnobodywillbelieveSignordellaRebbiacanhavekilledthemwithoutthehelpofthebanditswithwhomheisnowsupposedtohavetakenrefuge。"
　　"It’snotpossible，"saidthecolonel。"OrsodellaRebbiaisamosthonourablefellow。I’llstakemylifeonthat。"
　　"Ibelieveyou，"saidtheprefect。"Butthepublicprosecutor（thosegentryalwaysaresuspicious）doesnotstrikemeasbeingparticularlywelldisposedtowardhim。Heholdsonebitofevidencewhichgoesratheragainstourfriend——athreateninglettertoOrlanduccio，inwhichhesuggestsameeting，andisinclinedtothinkthatmeetingwasatrap。"
　　"ThatfellowOrlanducciorefusedtofightitoutlikeagentleman。"
　　"Thatisnotthecustomhere。Inthiscountry，peoplelieinambush，andkilleachotherfrombehind。Thereisonedepositioninhisfavour——thatofachild，whodeclaressheheardfourreports，twoofwhichwerelouderthantheothers，andproducedbyaheavyweapon，suchasSignordellaRebbia’sgun。Unluckily，thechildisthenieceofoneofthebanditssuspectedofbeinghisaccomplices，andhasprobablybeentaughtherlesson。"
　　"Sir，"brokeinMissLydia，reddeningtotherootsofherhair，"wewereontheroadwhenthoseshotswerefired，andweheardthesamething。"
　　"Really？That’smostimportant！Andyou，colonel，nodoubtyouremarkedtheverysamething？"
　　"Yes，"respondedMissLydiaquickly。"Itwasmyfather，whoissoaccustomedtofirearms，whosaidtome，’There’sSignordellaRebbiashootingwithmygun！’"
　　"Andyouaresurethoseshotsyourecognisedwerethelast？"
　　"Thetwolast，weren’tthey，papa？"
　　Memorywasnotthecolonel’sstrongpoint，butasastandingrule，heknewbetterthantocontradicthisdaughter。
　　"Imustmentionthistothepublicprosecutoratonce，colonel。Andbesides，weexpectasurgeonthisevening，whowillmakeanexaminationofthetwobodies，andfindoutwhetherthewoundswerecausedbythatparticularweapon。"
　　"IgaveittoOrso，"saidthecolonel，"andIwishIknewitwasatthebottomofthesea。Atleast————Pluckyboy！I’mheartilygladhehaditwithhim，forIdon’tquiteknowhowhewouldhavegotoffifithadn’tbeenformyManton。"
　　CHAPTERXIX
　　Itwasratherlatewhenthesurgeonputinanappearance。Onhisroaduphehadmetwithanadventureofhisown。HehadbeenstoppedbyGiocantoCastriconi，who，withthemostscrupulouspoliteness，calledonhimtocomeandattendawoundedman。HehadbeenconductedtoOrso’sretreat，andhadappliedthefirstdressingstohiswound。Thebandithadthenaccompaniedthedoctorsomedistanceonhisway，andhadgreatlyedifiedhimbyhistalkconcerningthemostcelebratedprofessorsatPisa，whomhedescribedashisintimatefriends。
　　"Doctor，"saidthetheologian，astheyparted，"youhaveinspiredmewithsuchafeelingofrespectthatIthinkithardlynecessarytoremindyouthataphysicianshouldbeasdiscreetasaconfessor。"Andashesaidthewordsheclickedthetriggerofhisgun。"Youhavequiteforgottenthespotatwhichwehavehadthehonourofmeeting。
　　Fareyouwell！I’mdelightedtohavemadeyouracquaintance。"
　　Colombabesoughtthecoloneltobepresentatthepost-mortemexamination。
　　"Youknowmybrother’sgunbetterthananybody，"shesaid，"andyourpresencewillbemostvaluable。Besidestherearesomanywickedpeopleherethatweshouldrunagreatriskiftherewerenobodypresenttoprotectourinterests。"
　　WhenshewasleftalonewithMissLydia，shecomplainedthatherheadachedterribly，andproposedthattheyshouldtakeawalkjustoutsidethevillage。
　　"Thefreshairwilldomegood，"shesaid。"ItissolongsinceI’vebeenoutofdoors。"
　　Astheywalkedalongshetalkedaboutherbrother，andMissLydia，whofoundthesubjecttolerablyinteresting，didnotnoticethattheyhadtravelledalongwayfromPietranera。Thesunwassettingwhenshebecameawareofthisfact，andshebeggedColombatoreturn。Colombasaidsheknewacross-cutwhichwouldgreatlyshortenthewalkback，andturningoutofthepath，shetookanother，whichseemedmuchlessfrequented。Soonshebegantoclimbahill，sosteepthattokeepherbalanceshewascontinuallyobligedtocatchholdofbrancheswithonehand，whileshepulledhercompanionupafterherwiththeother。
　　Afterabouttwentyminutesofthistryingascent，theyfoundthemselvesonasmallplateau，clothedwitharbutusandmyrtle，growingroundgreatgranitebouldersthatjuttedabovethesoilineverydirection。MissLydiawasverytired，therewasnosignofthevillage，anditwasalmostquitedark。
　　"Doyouknow，Colomba，mydear，"shesaid，"I’mafraidwe’velostourway！"
　　"Nofear！"answeredColomba。"Letusgeton。Youfollowme。"
　　"ButIassureyouwe’regoingwrong。Thevillagecan’tbeoverthere。
　　I’mcertainwe’returningourbacksonit。Why，lookatthoselights，faraway。Pietraneramustbeinthatdirection。"
　　"Mydearsoul，"saidColomba，andshelookedverymuchagitated，"you’reperfectlyright。Butinthe/maquis/——lessthanahundredyardsfromhere——"
　　"Well？"
　　"Mybrotherislying。Ifyouchoose，Imightseehim，andgivehimonekiss。"
　　MissNevilmadeagestureofastonishment。
　　"IgotoutofPietranerawithoutbeingnoticed，"continuedColomba，"becauseIwaswithyou，otherwiseIshouldhavebeenfollowed。Tobesoclosetohim，andnottoseehim！Whyshouldn’tyoucomewithmetoseemypoorbrother？Youwouldmakehimsohappy！"
　　"But，Colomba——Thatwouldn’tbeatallproperonmypart————"
　　"Isee。Withyouwomenwholiveintowns，yourgreatanxietyistobeproper。Wevillagewomenonlythinkofwhatiskind。"
　　"Butit’ssolate！Andthenwhatwillyourbrotherthinkofme？"
　　"He’llthinkhisfriendshavenotforsakenhim，andthatwillgivehimcouragetobearhissufferings。"
　　"Andmyfather？He’llbesoanxious！"
　　"Heknowsyouarewithme。Come！Makeupyourmind。Youwerelookingathispicturethismorning，"sheadded，withaslysmile。
　　"No！Reallyandtruly，Idon’tdare，Colomba！Thinkofthebanditswhoarethere。"
　　"Well，whatmatter？Thebanditsdon’tknowyou。Andyouwerelongingtoseesome。"
　　"Oh，dear！"
　　"Come，signorina，settlesomething。Ican’tleaveyoualonehere。I
　　don’tknowwhatmighthappentoyou。LetusgoontoseeOrso，orelseletusgobacktothevillagetogether。Ishallseemybrotheragain。
　　Godknowswhen——never，perhaps！"
　　"What’sthatyouaresaying，Colomba？Well，well，letusgo！Butonlyforaminute，andthenwe’llgethomeatonce。"
　　Colombasqueezedherhand，andwithoutmakinganyreplywalkedonsoquicklythatMissLydiacouldhardlykeepupwithher。Shesoonhalted，luckily，andsaidtohercompanion：
　　"Wewon’tgoanyfartherwithoutwarningthem。Wemighthaveabulletflyingatourheads。"
　　Shebegantowhistlethroughherfingers。Soontheyheardadogbark，andthebandits’advancedsentryshortlycameinsight。ThiswasouroldacquaintanceBrusco，whorecognisedColombaatonceandundertooktobeherguide。Aftermanywindingsthroughthenarrowpathsinthe/maquis/theyweremetbytwomen，armedtotheteeth。
　　"Isthatyou，Brandolaccio？"inquiredColomba。"Whereismybrother？"
　　"Justoverthere，"repliedthebandit。"Butgoquietly。He’sasleep，andforthefirsttimesincehisaccident。Zounds，it’sclearthatwherethedevilgetsthrough，awomanwillgetthroughtoo！"
　　Thetwogirlsmovedforwardcautiously，andbesideafire，theblazeofwhichwascarefullyconcealedbyalittlewallofstonesbuiltroundit，theybeheldOrso，lyingonapileofheather，andcoveredwitha/pilone/。Hewasverypale，andtheycouldhearhislabouredbreathing。Colombasatdownnearhim，andgazedathimsilently，withherhandsclasped，asthoughshewereprayinginherheart。MissLydiahidherfaceinherhandkerchief，andnestledcloseagainstherfriend，buteverynowandthensheliftedherheadtotakealookatthewoundedmanoverColomba’sshoulder。Thusaquarterofanhourpassedbywithoutawordbeingsaidbyanybody。Atasignfromthetheologian，Brandolacciohadplungedwithhimintothe/maquis/，tothegreatreliefofMissLydia，whoforthefirsttimefanciedthelocalcolourofthebandits’wildbeardsandwarlikeequipmentwasatrifletoostrong。
　　AtlastOrsostirred。Instantly，Colombabentoverhim，andkissedhimagainandagain，pouringoutquestionsanenthiswound，hissuffering，andhisneeds。Afterhavingansweredthathewasdoingaswellaspossible，Orsoinquired，inhisturn，whetherMissNevilwasstillatPietranera，andwhethershehadwrittentohim。Colomba，bendingoverherbrother，completelyhidhercompanionfromhissight，andindeedthedarknesswouldhavemadeanyrecognitiondifficult。ShewasholdingoneofMissNevil’shands。Withtheothersheslightlyraisedherwoundedbrother’shead。
　　"No，brother，"shereplied。"Shedidnotgivemeanyletterforyou。
　　ButareyoustillthinkingaboutMissNevil？Youmustloveherverymuch！"
　　"Loveher，Colomba！——But——butnowshemaydespiseme！"
　　AtthispointMissNevilmadeastruggletowithdrawherfingers。ButitwasnoeasymattertogetColombatoslackenhergrasp。Smallandwell-shapedthoughherhandwas，itpossessedastrengthofwhichwehavealreadynoticedcertainproofs。
　　"Despiseyou！"criedColomba。"Afterwhatyou’vedone？No，indeed！Shepraisesyou！Oh，Orso，Icouldtellyousomanythingsabouther！"
　　Lydia’shandwasstillstrugglingforitsfreedom，butColombakeptdrawingitclosertoOrso。
　　"Butafterall，"saidthewoundedman，"whydidn’tsheanswerme？Ifshehadsentmeasingleline，Ishouldhavebeenhappy。"
　　BydintofpullingatMissNevil’shand，Colombacontrivedatlasttoputitintoherbrother’s。Then，movingsuddenlyaside，sheburstoutlaughing。
　　"Orso，"shecried，"mindyoudon’tspeakevilofMissLydia——sheunderstandsCorsicanquitewell。"
　　MissLydiatookbackherhandatonceandstammeredsomeunintelligiblewords。Orsothoughthemustbedreaming。
　　"Youhere，MissNevil？Goodheavens！howdidyoudare？Oh，howhappyyouhavemademe！"
　　Andraisinghimselfpainfully，hestrovetogetclosertoher。
　　"Icamewithyoursister，"saidMissLydia，"sothatnobodymightsuspectwhereshewasgoing。AndthenI——Iwantedtomakesureformyself。Alas！howuncomfortableyouarehere！"
　　ColombahadseatedherselfbehindOrso。Sheraisedhimcarefullysothathisheadmightrestonherlap。SheputherarmsroundhisneckandsignedtoMissLydiatocomenearhim。
　　"Closer！closer！"shesaid。"Asickmanmustn’ttalktooloud。"AndwhenMissLydiahesitated，shecaughtherhandandforcedhertositdownsoclosetoOrsothatherdresstouchedhim，andherhand，stillinColomba’sgrasp，layonthewoundedman’sshoulder。
　　"Nowhe’sverycomfortable！"saidColombacheerily。"Isn’titgoodtolieoutinthe/maquis/onsuchalovelynight？Eh，Orso？"
　　"Howyoumustbesuffering！"exclaimedMissLydia。
　　"Mysufferingisallgonenow，"saidOrso，"andIshouldliketodiehere！"AndhisrighthandcreptuptowardMissLydia’s，whichColombastillheldcaptive。
　　"Youreallymustbetakentosomeplacewhereyoucanbeproperlycaredfor，SignordellaRebbia，"saidMissNevil。"Ishallneverbeabletosleepinmybed，nowthatIhaveseenyoulyinghere，souncomfortable，intheopenair。"
　　"IfIhadnotbeenafraidofmeetingyou，MissNevil，IshouldhavetriedtogetbacktoPietranera，andIshouldhavegivenmyselfuptotheauthorities。"
　　"Andwhywereyouafraidofmeetingher，Orso？"inquiredColomba。
　　"Ihaddisobeyedyou，MissNevil，andIshouldnothavedaredtolookatyoujustthen。"
　　"Doyouknowyoumakemybrotherdoeverythingyouchoose，MissLydia？"saidColomba，laughing。"Iwon’tletyouseehimanymore。"
　　"Ihopethisunluckybusinesswillsoonbeclearedup，andthatyouwillhavenothingmoretofear，"saidMissNevil。"Ishallbesohappy，whenwegoaway，toknowjusticehasbeendoneyou，andthatbothyourloyaltyandyourbraveryhavebeenacknowledged。"
　　"Goingaway，MissNevil！Don’tsaythatwordyet！"
　　"Whatarewetodo？Myfathercannotspendhiswholelifeshooting。
　　Hewantstogo。"
　　Orso’shand，whichhadbeentouchingMissLydia’s，droppedaway，andtherewassilenceforamoment。
　　"Nonsense！"saidColomba。"Wewon’tletyougoyet。WehaveplentyofthingstoshowyoustillatPietranera。Besides，youhavepromisedtopaintmypicture，andyouhaven’tevenbegunitsofar。AndthenI’vepromisedtocomposeyoua/serenata/，withseventy-fiveverses。Andthen——butwhatcanBruscobegrowlingabout？Andhere’sBrandolacciorunningafterhim。Imustgoandseewhat’samiss。"
　　Sheroseatonce，andlayingOrso’shead，withoutfurtherceremony，onMissLydia’slap，sheranafterthebandits。
　　MissNevil，somewhatstartledatfindingherselfthusleftinsolechargeofahandsomeyoungCorsicangentlemaninthemiddleofa/maquis/，wasratherpuzzledwhattodonext。
　　Forshewasafraidthatanysuddenmovementonherpartmighthurtthewoundedman。ButOrsohimselfresignedtheexquisitepillowonwhichhissisterhadjustlaidhishead，andraisinghimselfonhisrightarm，hesaid：
　　"Soyouwillsoonbegone，MissLydia？Ineverexpectedyourstayinthisunhappycountrywouldhavebeenalongone。Andyetsinceyouhavecometomehere，thethoughtthatImustbidyoufarewellhasgrownahundredtimesmorebittertome。Iamonlyapoorlieutenant。
　　Ihadnofuture——andnowIamanoutlaw。WhatamomentinwhichtotellyouthatIloveyou，MissLydia！Butnodoubtthisismyonlychanceofsayingit。AndIthinkIfeellesswretchednowIhaveunburdenedmyhearttoyou。"
　　MissLydiaturnedawayherhead，asifthedarknesswerenotdarkenoughtohideherblushes。
　　"SignordellaRebbia，"shesaid，andhervoiceshook，"shouldIhavecomehereatallif————"andasshespokeshelaidtheEgyptiantalismaninOrso’shand。Then，withamightyefforttorecoverherusualbanteringtone——"It’sverywrongofyou，SignorOrso，tosaysuchthings！Youknowverywellthathere，inthemiddleofthe/maquis/，andwithyourbanditsallaboutme，Ishouldneverdaretobeangrywithyou。"
　　Orsomadeanattempttokissthehandthatheldoutthetalisman。MissLydiadrewitquicklyback；helosthisbalance，andfellonhiswoundedarm。Hecouldnotstifleamoanofpain。
　　"Oh，dear，you’vehurtyourself，anditwasmyfault！"shecried，assheraisedhimup。"Forgiveme！"Theytalkedforsometimelonger，verylow，andveryclosetogether。
　　Colomba，runninghastilyup，foundthemintheverysamepositioninwhichshehadleftthem。
　　"Thesoldiers！"shecried。"Orso！trytogetupandwalk！I’llhelpyou！"
　　"Leaveme！"saidOrso。"Tellthebanditstoescape。WhatdoIcareifIamtaken？ButtakeawayMissLydia。ForGod’ssake，don’tletanybodyseeherhere！"
　　"Iwon’tleaveyou，"saidBrandolaccio，whohadcomeuponColomba’sheels。
　　"Thesergeantinchargeisthelawyer’sgodson。He’llshootyouinsteadofarrestingyou，andthenhe’llsayhedidn’tdoitonpurpose。"
　　Orsotriedtorise；heeventookafewsteps。Buthesoonhalted。"I
　　can’twalk，"hesaid。"Fly，allofyou！Good-bye，MissNevil！Givemeyourhand！Farewell！"
　　"Wewon’tleaveyou！"criedthetwogirls。
　　"Ifyoucan’twalk，"saidBrandolaccio，"Imustcarryyou。Come，sir，alittlecourage！Weshallhavetimetoslipawaybytheravine。TheSignorPadrewillkeepthembusy。"
　　"No，leaveme！"saidOrso，lyingdownontheground。"Colomba，takeMissNevilaway！——forGod’ssake！"
　　"You’restrong，SignorinaColomba，"saidBrandolaccio。"Catchholdofhisshoulders；I’lltakehisfeet。That’sit！Now，thenmarch！"
　　Inspiteofhisprotests，theybegantocarryhimrapidlyalong。MissLydiawasfollowingthem，inaterriblefright，whenagunwasfired，andfiveorsixotherreportsinstantlyresponded。MissLydiascreamedandBrandolacciosworeanoath，buthedoubledhispace，andColomba，imitatinghim，torethroughthethicketwithoutpayingtheslightestheedtothebranchesthatslashedherfaceandtoreherdress。
　　"Benddown，benddown，dear！"shecalledouttohercompanion。"Youmaybehitbysomestraybullet！"
　　Theyhadwalked，orratherrun，somefivehundredpacesinthisfashionwhenBrandolacciovowedhecouldgonofurther，anddroppedontheground，regardlessofallColomba’sexhortationsandreproaches。
　　"WhereisMissNevil？"wasOrso’soneinquiry。
　　Terrifiedbythefiring，checkedateverystepbythethickgrowthofthe/maquis/，MissNevilhadsoonlostsightofthefugitives，andbeenleftallaloneinastateofthemostcruelalarm。
　　"Shehasbeenleftbehind，"saidBrandolaccio，"butshe’llnotbelost——womenalwaysturnupagain。DolistentotherowthePadreismakingwithyourgun，Ors’Anton’！Unluckily，it’sasblackaspitch，andnobodytakesmuchharmfrombeingshotatinthedark。"
　　"Hush！"criedColomba。"Ihearahorse。We’resaved！"
　　Startledbythefiring，ahorsewhichhadbeenwanderingthroughthe/maquis/，wasreallycomingcloseuptothem。
　　"Saved，indeed！"repeatedBrandolaccio。Itdidnottakethebanditmorethananinstanttorushuptothecreature，catchholdofhismane，andwithColomba’sassistance，bridlehimwithabitofknottedrope。
　　"NowwemustwarnthePadre，"hesaid。Hewhistledtwice；anotherdistantwhistleansweredthesignal，andtheloudvoiceoftheMantongunwashushed。ThenBrandolacciosprangonthehorse’sback。Colombaliftedherbrotherupinfrontofthebandit，whoheldhimclosewithonehandandmanagedhisbridlewiththeother。
　　Inspiteofthedoubleload，theanimal，urgedbyabraceofheartykicks，startedoffnimbly，andgallopedheadlongdownasteepdeclivityonwhichanythingbutaCorsicansteedwouldhavebrokenitsneckadozentimes。
　　ThenColombaretracedhersteps，callingMissNevilatthetopofhervoice；butnoansweringcrywasheard。
　　Afterwalkinghitherandthitherforsometime，tryingtorecoverthepath，shestumbledontworiflemen，whoshouted，"Whogoesthere？"
　　"Well，gentlemen，"criedColombajeeringly，"here’saprettyracket！
　　Howmanyofyouarekilled？"
　　"Youwerewiththebandits！"saidoneofthesoldiers。"Youmustcomewithus。"
　　"Withpleasure！"shereplied。"Butthere’safriendofminesomewherecloseby，andwemustfindherfirst。"
　　"Youfriendiscaughtalready，andbothofyouwillsleepinjailto-night！"
　　"Injail，yousay？Well，thatremainstobeseen。Buttakemetoher，meanwhile。"
　　Thesoldiersledhertothebandits’camp，wheretheyhadcollectedthetrophiesoftheirraid——towit，thecloakwhichhadcoveredOrso，anoldcooking-pot，andapitcherofcoldwater。OnthesamespotshefoundMissNevil，whohadfallenamongthesoldiers，and，beinghalfdeadwithterror，didnothingbutsobinanswertotheirquestionsastothenumberofthebandits，andthedirectioninwhichtheyhadgone。
　　Colombathrewherselfintoherarmsandwhisperedinherear，"Theyaresafe！"Then，turningtothesergeant，shesaid："Sir，youcanseethisyoungladyknowsnoneofthethingsyouaretryingtofindoutfromher。Giveusleavetogobacktothevillage，whereweareanxiouslyexpected。"
　　"You’llbetakenthere，andfasterthanyoulike，mybeauty，"rejoinedthesergeant。"Andyou’llhavetoexplainwhatyouwereafteratthistimeofnightwiththeruffianswhohavejustgotaway。Idon’tknowwhatwitchcraftthosevillainspractise，buttheycertainlydobewitchthewomen——forwherevertherearebanditsabout，youaredeadcertaintofindprettygirls。"
　　"You’reveryflattering，sergeant！"saidColomba，"butyou’lldowelltobecarefulwhatyousay。Thisyoungladyisrelatedtotheprefect，andyou’dbetterbecarefulofyourlanguagebeforeher。"
　　"Arelationoftheprefect’s，"whisperedoneofthesoldierstohischief。"Why，shedoeswearahat！"
　　"Hatshavenothingtodowithit，"saidthesergeant。"TheywerebothofthemwiththePadre——thegreatestwoman-wheedlerinthewholecountry，soit’smybusinesstomarchthemoff。And，indeed，there’snothingmoreforustodohere。Butforthatd————dCorporalTaupin——
　　thedrunkenFrenchmanshowedhimselfbeforeI’dsurroundedthe/maquis/——weshouldhavehadthemalllikefishinanet。"
　　"Arethereonlysevenofyouhere？"inquiredColomba。"Itstrikesme，gentlemen，thatifthethreePolibrothers——Gambini，Sarocchi，andTeodoro——shouldhappentobeattheCrossofSantaChristina，withBrandolaccioandthePadre，theymightgiveyouagooddealofcorntogrind。IfyoumeantohaveatalkwiththeCommandantedellaCampagna，I’djustassoonnotbethere。Inthedark，bulletsdon’tshowanyrespectforpersons。"
　　TheideaofcomingfacetofacewiththedreadedbanditsmentionedbyColombamadeanevidentimpressiononthesoldiers。Thesergeant，stillcursingCorporalTaupin——"thatdogofaFrenchman"——gavetheordertoretire，andhislittlepartymovedtowardPietranera，carryingthe/pilone/andthecooking-pot；asforthepitcher，itsfatewassettledwithakick。
　　OneofthemenwouldhavelaidholdofMissLydia’sarm，butColombainstantlypushedhimaway。
　　"Letnoneofyoudaretolayafingeronher！"shesaid。"Doyoufancywewanttorunaway？Come，Lydia，mydear，leanonme，anddon’tcrylikeababy。We’vehadanadventure，butitwillendallright。Inhalfanhourweshallbeatoursupper，andformypartI’mdyingtogettoit。"
　　"Whatwilltheythinkofme！"MissNevilwhispered。
　　"They’llthinkyoulostyourwayinthe/maquis/，that’sall。"
　　"Whatwilltheprefectsay？Aboveall，whatwillmyfathersay？"
　　"Theprefect？Youcantellhimtomindhisownbusiness！Yourfather？
　　Ishouldhavethought，fromthewayyouandOrsoweretalking，thatyouhadsomethingtosaytoyourfather。"
　　MissNevilsqueezedherarm，andanswerednothing。
　　"Doesn’tmybrotherdeservetobeloved？"whisperedColombainherear。"Don’tyoulovehimalittle？"
　　"Oh，Colomba！"answeredMissNevil，smilinginspiteofherblushes，"you’vebetrayedme！AndItrustedyouso！"
　　Colombaslippedherarmroundher，andkissedherforehead。
　　"Littlesister，"shewhisperedverylow，"willyouforgiveme？"
　　"Why，IsupposeImust，mymasterfulsister，"answeredLydia，asshekissedherback。
　　Theprefectandthepublicprosecutorwerestayingwiththedeputy-
　　mayor，andthecolonel，whowasveryuneasyabouthisdaughter，waspayingthemhistwentiethcall，toaskiftheyhadheardofher，whenarifleman，whomthesergeanthadsentoninadvance，arrivedwiththefullstoryofthegreatfightwiththebrigands——afightinwhichnobodyhadbeeneitherkilledorwounded，butwhichhadresultedinthecaptureofacooking-pot，a/pilone/，andtwogirls，whomthemandescribedasthemistresses，orthespies，ofthetwobandits。
　　Thusheralded，thetwoprisonersappeared，surroundedbytheirarmedescort。
　　MyreaderswillimagineColomba’sradiantface，hercompanion’sconfusion，theprefect’ssurprise，thecolonel’sastonishmentandjoy。
　　ThepublicprosecutorpermittedhimselfthemischievousentertainmentofobligingpoorLydiatoundergoakindofcross-examination，whichdidnotconcludeuntilhehadquiteputheroutofcountenance。
　　"Itseemstome，"saidtheprefect，"thatwemayreleaseeverybody。
　　Theseyoungladieswentoutforawalk——nothingismorenaturalinfineweather。Theyhappenedtomeetacharmingyoungman，whohasbeenlatelywounded——nothingcouldbemorenatural，again。"Then，takingColombaaside——
　　"Signorina，"hesaid，"youcansendwordtoyourbrotherthatthisbusinesspromisestoturnoutbetterthanIhadexpected。Thepost-
　　mortemexaminationandthecolonel’sdepositionbothprovethatheonlydefendedhimself，andthathewasalonewhenthefighttookplace。Everythingwillbesettled——onlyhemustleavethe/maquis/andgivehimselfuptotheauthorities。"
　　Itwasalmosteleveno’clockwhenthecolonel，hisdaughter，andColombasatdownatlasttotheirsupper，whichhadgrowncold。
　　Colombaateheartily，andmadegreatfunoftheprefect，thepublicprosecutor，andthesoldiers。Thecolonelatetoo，butneversaidaword，andgazedsteadilyathisdaughter，whowouldnotlifthereyesfromherplate。Atlast，gentlybutseriously，hesaidinEnglish：
　　"Lydia，IsupposeyouareengagedtodellaRebbia？"
　　"Yes，father，to-day，"sheanswered，steadily，thoughsheblushed。
　　Thensheraisedhereyes，andreadingnosignofangerinherfather’sface，shethrewherselfintohisarmsandkissedhim，asallwell-
　　brought-upyoungladiesdoonsuchoccasions。
　　"Withallmyheart！"saidthecolonel。"He’safinefellow。But，byG——d，wewon’tliveinthisd——-dcountryofhis，orI’llrefusemyconsent。"
　　"Idon’tknowEnglish，"saidColomba，whowaswatchingthemwithanairofthegreatestcuriosity，"butI’llwagerI’veguessedwhatyouaresaying！"
　　"Wearesaying，"quoththecolonel，"thatwearegoingtotakeyouforatriptoIreland。"
　　"Yes，withpleasure；andI’llbetheSurellaColomba。Isitsettled，colonel？Shallweshakehandsonit？"
　　"Insuchacase，"remarkedthecolonel，"peopleexchangeskisses！"
　　CHAPTERXX
　　Oneafternoon，afewmonthsafterthedoubleshotwhich，asthenewspaperssaid，"plungedthevillageofPietraneraintoastateofconsternation，"ayoungmanwithhisleftarminasling，rodeoutofBastia，towardthevillageofCardo，celebratedforitsspring，whichinsummersuppliesthemorefastidiousinhabitantsofthetownwithdeliciouswater。Hewasaccompaniedbyayounglady，tallandremarkablyhandsome，mountedonasmallblackhorse，thestrengthandshapeofwhichwouldhaveattractedtheadmirationofaconnoisseur，although，bysomestrangeaccident，oneofitsearshadbeenlacerated。Onreachingthevillage，thegirlsprangnimblytotheground，and，havinghelpedhercomradetodismount，sheunfastenedthesomewhatheavywalletsstrappedtohissaddle-bow。Thehorseswereleftinchargeofapeasant。Thegirl，ladenwiththewallets，whichshehadconcealedunderher/mezzaro/，andtheyoungman，carryingadouble-barrelledgun，tooktheirwaytowardthemountain，alongaverysteeppaththatdidnotappeartoleadtoanydwelling。WhentheyhadclimbedtooneofthelowerridgesoftheMonteQuerico，theyhalted，andsatdownonthegrass。Theywereevidentlyexpectingsomebody，fortheykeptperpetuallylookingtowardthemountain，andtheyoungladyoftenconsultedaprettygoldwatch——asmuch，itmaybe，forthepleasureofadmiringwhatappearedasomewhatnewlyacquiredtrinket，asinordertoknowwhetherthehourappointedforsomemeetingorotherhadcome。Theyhadnotlongtowait。Adogranoutofthe/maquis/，andwhenthegirlcalledout"Brusco！"itapproachedatonce，andfawneduponthem。Presentlytwobeardedmenappeared，withgunsundertheirarms，cartridge-beltsroundtheirwaists，andpistolshangingattheirsides。Theirtornandpatchedgarmentscontrastedoddlywiththeirweapons，whichwerebrilliantlypolished，andcamefromafamousContinentalfactory。Inspiteoftheapparentinequalityoftheirpositions，thefouractorsinthisscenegreetedoneanotherintermsofoldandfamiliarfriendship。
　　"Well，Ors’Anton’，"saidtheelderbandittotheyoungman，"soyourbusinessissettled——theindictmentagainstyouhasfallenthrough？I
　　congratulateyou。I’msorrythelawyerhaslefttheisland。I’dliketoseehisrage。Andhow’syourarm？"
　　"TheytellmeIshallgetridofmyslinginafortnight，"saidtheyoungman。"Brando，mygoodfriend，I’mgoingtoItalyto-morrow——I
　　wantedtosaygood-byetoyouandtothecure。That’swhyIaskedyoutocomehere。"
　　"You’reinafinehurry，"saidBrandolaccio。"Onlyacquittedyesterday，andyou’reoffto-morrow。"
　　"Businessmustbeattendedto，"saidtheyoungladymerrily。
　　"Gentlemen，I’vebroughtsomesupper。Fallto，ifyouplease，anddon’tyouforgetmyfriendBrusco。"
　　"YouspoilBrusco，MademoiselleColomba。Buthe’sagratefuldog。Youshallsee。Here，Brusco，"andheheldouthisgunhorizontally，"jumpfortheBarricini！"
　　Thedogstoodmotionless，lickinghischops，andstaringathismaster。
　　"JumpforthedellaRebbia！"Andheleapedtwofeethigherthanheneedhavedone。
　　"Lookhere，myfriends，"saidOrso，"you’replyingabadtrade；andevenifyoudon’tendyourcareeronthatsquarebelowus，[*]thebestyoucanlookforistodieinthe/maquis/bysomegendarme’sbullet。"
　　[*]ThesquareatBastiaonwhichexecutionstakeplace。
　　"Well，well，"saidCastriconi，"that’snomorethandeath，anyhow；andit’sbetterthanbeingkilledinyourbedbyafever，withyourheirssnivellingmoreorlesshonestlyallroundyou。Tomenwhoareaccustomedtotheopenairlikeus，there’snothingsogoodastodie’inyourshoes，’asthevillagefolksay。"
　　"Ishouldliketoseeyougetoutofthiscountry，"saidOrso，"andleadaquieterlife。Forinstance，whyshouldn’tyousettleinSardinia，asseveralofyourcomradeshavedone？Icouldmakethemattereasyforyou。"
　　"InSardinia！"criedBrandolaccio。"/IstosSardos！/Deviltakethemandtheirlingo！Wecouldn’tliveinsuchbadcompany。"
　　"Sardinia’sacountrywithoutresources，"addedthetheologian。"Formypart，IdespisetheSardinians。Theykeepmountedmentohunttheirbandits。That’sastigmaonboththebanditsandthecountry。[*]OutuponSardinia，sayI！Thethingthatastoundsme，SignordellaRebbia，isthatyou，whoareamanoftasteandunderstanding，shouldnothavetakentoourlifeinthe/maquis/，afterhavingoncetriedit，asyoudid。"
　　[*]IowethiscriticismofSardiniatoanex-banditofmyacquaintance，andhealonemustbeartheresponsibilityofit。Hemeansthatbanditswholetthemselvesbecaughtbyhorsesoldiersareidiots，andthatsoldierswhotrytocatchbanditsonhorsebackhaveverylittlechanceofgettingatthem。
　　"Well，"saidOrso，withasmile，"whenIwasluckyenoughtobeyourguest，Iwasn’tinverygoodcaseforenjoyingthecharmsofyourposition，andmyribsstillachewhenIthinkoftherideItookonelovelynight，thrownlikeabundleacrossanunsaddledhorsethatmygoodfriendBrandolaccioguided。"
　　"Andthedelightofescapingfromyourpursuers，"rejoinedCastriconi；
　　"isthatnothingtoyou？Howcanyoufailtorealizethecharmofabsolutefreedominsuchabeautifulclimateasours？Withthistoinsurerespect，"andhehelduphisgun，"wearekingsofeverythingwithinitsrange。Wecangiveorders，wecanredresswrongs。That’sahighlymoralentertainment，monsieur，andaverypleasantone，whichwedon’tdenyourselves。Whatcanbemorebeautifulthanaknight-
　　errant’slife，whenhehasgoodweapons，andmorecommonsensethanDonQuixotehad？Listen！TheotherdayIwastoldthatlittleLillaLuigi’suncle——oldmiserthatheis——wouldn’tgiveheradowry。SoI
　　wrotetohim。Ididn’tusethreats——that’snotmyway。Well，well，inonemomentthemanwasconvinced。Hemarriedhisniece，andImadetwopeoplehappy。Believeme，Orso，there’snolifelikethebandit’slife！Pshaw！You’dhavejoinedus，perhaps，ifithadn’tbeenforacertainyoungEnglishwomanwhomIhavescarcelyseenmyself，butaboutwhosebeautyeveryoneinBastiaistalking。"
　　"Myfuturesister-in-lawdoesn’tlikethe/maquis/，"laughedColomba。
　　"Shegottoogreatafrightinoneofthem。"
　　"Well，"saidOrso，"youareresolvedtostayhere？Sobeit！ButtellmewhetherthereisanythingIcandoforyou？"
　　"Nothing，"saidBrandolaccio。"You’veheapedkindnessesuponus。
　　Here’slittleChilinawithherdowryready，sothatthere’llbenonecessityformyfriendthecuretowriteoneofhispersuasiveletterstoinsurehermarryingwell。Weknowthemanonyourfarmwillgiveusbreadandpowderwheneverweneedthem。Sofareyouwell！I
　　hopeweshallseeyoubackinCorsicaoneofthesedays。"
　　"Incaseofpressingneed，"saidOrso，"afewgoldcoinsareveryuseful。Nowwearesucholdfriends，youwon’trefusethislittle/cartouche/。[*]Itwillhelpyoutoprovidecartridgesofanotherkind。"
　　[*]/Cartouche/meansacollectionofgoldpiecesaswellasacartridge。
　　"Nomoneybetweenyouandme，sir，"saidBrandolaccioresolutely。
　　"Intheworldmoneyiseverything，"remarkedCastriconi，"butinthe/maquis/，allamanneedcareforisabraveheart，andagunthatcarriestrue。"
　　"Idon’twanttoleaveyouwithoutgivingyousomethingtoremembermeby，"persistedOrso。"Come，Brandolaccio，whatcanIleavewithyou？"
　　ThebanditscratchedhisheadandcastasidelongglanceatOrso’sgun。
　　"Bymyfaith，ifIdared——butno！you’retoofondofit。"
　　"Whatwouldyoulike？"
　　"Nothing！’Tisn’tanythingatall。It’sknowinghowtouseitaswell。
　　Ikeepthinkingofthatdevilofadouble-shotofyours——andwithonlyonehand，too！Oh！thatnevercouldhappentwiceover！"
　　"Isitthegunyoufancy？Iboughtitforyou。Butseeyoudon’tuseitmorethanyouareobliged。"
　　"Oh，Iwon’tpromisetomakeasgooduseofitasyou。Butmakeyourmindeasy。Whenanyothermanhasit，youmaybecertainit’salloverwithBrandoSavelli。"
　　"Andyou，Castriconi——whatamItogiveyou？"
　　"Sinceyoureallyinsistongivingmesometangiblekeepsake，I’llsimplyaskyoutosendmethesmallestHoraceyoucanget。Itwillamuseme，andpreventmefromforgettingallmyLatin。There’salittlewomanwhosellscigarsonthejettyatBastia。Ifyougiveittoher，she’llseeIgetit。"
　　"YoushallhaveanElzevir，myeruditefriend。TherejusthappenstobeoneamongsomebooksIwasgoingtotakeawaywithme。Well，goodfriends，wemustpart！Givemeyourhands。IfyoushouldeverthinkofSardiniawritetome。SignorN。，thenotary，willgiveyoumyaddressonthemainland。"
　　"To-morrow，lieutenant，"saidBrando，"whenyougetoutintheharbour，lookuptothisspotonthemountain-side。Weshallbehere，andwe’llwaveourhandkerchiefstoyou。"
　　Andsotheyparted。OrsoandhissistertooktheirwaybacktoCardo，andthebanditsdepartedupthemountain。
　　CHAPTERXXI
　　OnelovelyAprilmorning，SirThomasNevil，hisdaughter，anewlymadebride——Orso，andColomba，droveoutofPisatoseealatelydiscoveredEtruscanvaulttowhichallstrangerswhocametothatpartofthecountrypaidavisit。
　　Orsoandhiswifewentdownintotheancientbuilding，pulledouttheirpencils，andbegantosketchthemuralpaintings。ButthecolonelandColomba，whoneitherofthemcaredmuchforarchaeology，leftthemtothemselves，andwalkedaboutintheneighbourhood。
　　"MydearColomba，"saidthecolonel，"weshallnevergetbacktoPisaintimeforlunch。Aren’tyouhungry？ThereareOrsoandhiswifeburiedintheirantiquities；whenoncetheybeginsketchingtogether，itlastsforever！"
　　"Yes，"remarkedColomba。"Andyettheyneverbringthesmallestsketchhomewiththem。"
　　"Ithink，"proceededthecolonel，"ourbestplanwouldbetomakeourwaytothatlittlefarm-houseyonder。Weshouldfindbreadthere，andperhapssome/aleatico/。Whoknows，wemightevenfindstrawberriesandcream！Andthenweshouldbeabletowaitpatientlyforourartists。"
　　"Youarequiteright，colonel。YouandIarethereasonablemembersofthisfamily。Weshouldbeveryfoolishifweletourselvesbymartyrizedbythatpairoflovers，wholiveonpoetry！Givemeyourarm！Don’tyouthinkI’mimproving？Ileanonpeople’sarms，wearfashionablehatsandgownsandtrinkets——I’mlearningIdon’tknowhowmanyfinethings——I’mnotatallayoungsavageanymore。JustobservethegracewithwhichIwearthisshawl。Thatfair-hairedspark——thatofficerbelongingtoyourregimentwhocametothewedding——oh，dear！
　　Ican’trecollecthisname！——atall，curly-headedman，whomIcouldknockoverwithonehand————"
　　"Chatsworth？"suggestedthecolonel。
　　"That’sit！——butInevershallbeabletosayit！——Well，youknowhe’soverheadandearsinlovewithme！"
　　"OColomba，you’regrowingaterribleflirt！Weshallhaveanotherweddingbeforelong。"
　　"I！Marry！Andthenwhowilltherebetobringupmynephew——whenOrsoprovidesmewithanephew？Andwho’llteachhimtotalkCorsican？Yes，heshalltalkCorsican，andI’llmakehimapeakedcap，justtovexyou。"
　　"Well，well，waittillyouhaveyournephew，andthenyoushallteachhimtouseadagger，ifyouchoose。"
　　"Farewelltodaggers！"saidColombamerrily。"Ihaveafannow，torapyourfingerswithwhenyouspeakillofmycountry。"
　　Chattingthus，theyreachedthefarm-house，wheretheyfoundwine，strawberries，andcream。Colombahelpedthefarmer’swifetogatherthestrawberries，whilethecoloneldrankhis/aleatico/。Attheturningofapathshecaughtsightofanoldman，sittinginthesun，onastrawchair。Heseemedill，hischeekswerefallenin，hiseyeswerehollow，hewasfrightfullythin；ashesatthere，motionless，pallid，staringfixedlyinfrontofhim，helookedmorelikeacorpsethanlikealivingcreature。Colombawatchedhimforsomeminutes，andwithacuriositysogreatthatitattractedthewoman’sattention。
　　"Thatpooroldfellowisacountrymanofyours，"shesaid。"ForIknowyouarefromCorsicabythewayyoutalk，signorina！Hehashadgreattroubleinhisowncountry。Hischildrenmetwithsometerribledeath。
　　Theysay——you’llexcuseme，signorina——thatwhentheyquarrel，yourcompatriotsdon’tshoweachotherverymuchmercy。Thenthepooroldgentleman，beingleftallalone，cameovertoPisa，toadistantrelationofhis，whoownsthisfarm。Betweenhismisfortunesandhissorrow，thegoodmanisalittlecracked……Theladyfoundhimtroublesome——forsheseesagreatdealofcompany。Soshesenthimouthere。He’sverygentle——noworryatall。Hedoesn’tspeakthreewordsthewholedaylong。Infact，hisbrain’squitegone。Thedoctorcomestoseehimeveryweek。Hesayshewon’tlivelong。"
　　"There’snohopeforhim，then！"saidColomba。"Insuchacase，deathwillbeamercy。"
　　"YoumightsayawordtohiminCorsican，signorina。Perhapsitwouldcheerhimuptohearthespeechofhisowncountry。"
　　"I’llsee！"saidColomba，andhersmilewasmysterious。
　　Shedrewnearertotheoldman，tillhershadowfellacrosshischair。
　　ThenthepooridiotliftedhisheadandstaredatColomba，whileshelookedathim，smilingstill。Afteramoment，theoldmanpassedhishandacrosshisforehead，andclosedhiseyes，asthoughhewouldhaveshutoutthesightofColomba。Heopenedthemagain，desperatelywidethistime。Hislipsbegantowork，hetriedtostretchouthishands，but，fascinatedbyColomba’sglance，hesat，nailed，asitwere，tohischair，unabletomoveorutteraword。Atlastgreattearsdroppedfromhiseyes，andafewsobsescapedfromhisheavingchest。
　　"’TisthefirsttimeI’veseenhimlikethis，"saidthegoodwoman。
　　"Thissignorinabelongstoyourowncountry；shehascometoseeyou，"
　　saidshetotheoldman。
　　"Mercy！"hecriedinahoarsevoice。"Mercy！Areyounotcontent？TheleafIburned。Howdidyoureadit？Butwhydidyoutakethemboth？
　　Orlanduccio！Youcan’thavereadanythingagainsthim！Youshouldhaveleftmeone，onlyone！Orlanduccio——youdidn’tread/his/name！"
　　"Ihadtohavethemboth！"answeredColomba，speakinglowandintheCorsicandialect。"Thebranchesaretoppedoff！Ifthestemhadnotbeenrotten，Iwouldhavetornitup！Come！makenomoan。Youwillnotsufferlong！/I/sufferedfortwoyears！"
　　Theoldmancriedout，andthenhisheaddroppedonhisbreast。
　　Colombaturnedherbackonhim，andwentslowlyintothehouse，hummingsomemeaninglesslinesoutofa/ballata/：
　　"Imusthavethehandthatfired，theeyethataimed，theheartthatplanned。"
　　Whilethefarmer’swiferantoattendontheoldman，Colomba，withblazingeyesandbrilliantcheeks，satdowntoluncheonoppositethecolonel。
　　"What’sthematterwithyou？"hesaid。"YoulookjustasyoudidthatdayatPietranera，whentheyfiredatuswhilewewereatdinner。"
　　"OldCorsicanmemorieshadcomebacktome。Butallthat’sdonewith。
　　Ishallbegodmother，sha’n’tI？Oh！whatfinenamesI’llgivehim！
　　Ghilfuccio——Tomaso——Orso——Leone！"
　　Thefarmer’swifecamebackintotheroom。
　　"Well？"inquiredColomba，withthemostperfectcomposure。"Ishedead，orhadheonlyfainted？"
　　"Itwasnothing，signorina。Butit’scuriouswhataneffectthesightofyouhadonhim。"
　　"Andthedoctorsayshewon’tlastlong？"
　　"Nottwomonths，verylikely。"
　　"He’llbenogreatloss！"remarkedColomba。
　　"Whatthedevilareyoutalkingabout？"inquiredthecolonel。
　　"Aboutanidiotfrommyowncountry，whoisboardedouthere。I’llsendfromtimetotimetofindouthowheis。Why，ColonelNevil，aren’tyougoingtoleaveanystrawberriesforLydiaandmybrother？"
　　WhenColombaleftthefarm-houseandgotintothecarriage，thefarmer’swifelookedafterherforawhile。Then，turningtoherdaughter：
　　"Dostseethatprettyyoungladyyonder？"shesaid。"Well，I’mcertainshehastheevileye！"