“Now, gentlemen,” said the mayor, “you have only got to shake hands.”
By a simultaneous movement the rivals clasped their hands behind their backs.
The mayor descended from his elevated seat, and seizing the hand of Colona sought for the hand of the Orlandi, and having possessed himself of both he, with some effort, which he endeavoured to conceal with a smile, succeeded in joining the two hands.
The notary seized the moment, while the mayor held the two hands together, to stand up and read the deed declaring the feud to be at an end. The document was as follows:—
“In the presence of us, Giuseppe Antonia Sarrola, Notary Royal of Sullacaro in the Province of Sartène.
“In the grand place of the village opposite the church, in the presence of the mayor, the sponsors, and all the population.
“Between Gaetano Orso Orlandi, called Orlandini.
“And Marco Vincenzio Colona, called Schioppone.
“It is solemnly ratified as follows:—