that was granted—that is, until nine the next morning. The instant the
letter was written, Carlini seized it, and hastened to the plain to find
a messenger. He found a young shepherd watching his flock. The natural
messengers of the bandits are the shepherds who live between the city
and the mountains, between civilized and savage life. The boy undertook
the commission, promising to be in Frosinone in less than an hour.
Carlini returned, anxious to see his mistress, and announce the joyful
intelligence. He found the troop in the glade, supping off the
provisions exacted as contributions from the peasants; but his eye
vainly sought Rita and Cucumetto among them.
“He inquired where they were, and was answered by a burst of laughter. A
cold perspiration burst from every pore, and h
