The executioner gave a look of impatience and denial; but at the same instant the people, who had heard the request of the condemned man, cried out—
“The confessor! the confessor!”
The executioner was obliged to submit, and the crowd made way for the monk: he was a tall young man, of a swarthy complexion, and seemed as if he were exhausted by the austerities of the cloister; he went up to the cart and climbed into it.
At the same instant Bruno fell on his knees—this was a general signal; on the pavement, in the street, on the balconies at the windows, on the roofs of the houses, every one knelt; all excepting the executioner, who remained on horseback, and his assistants, who stood by his side. At the same instant the Penitents began to chant the prayers for the dying, to conceal by the voices the words of the confession.
“I have been long expecting you,” observed Bruno. “I was waiting here for you,” replied Ali, for he it was.
“I was afraid they would not keep the promise they made me,” said Bruso; “and that you would meet the same fate as myself.”
“No,” said Ali, “they have kept their promise; I am at liberty.”
“Listen then,” said Bruno.
“I am attentive,” replied Ali.
“There, on my right hand—” Bruno turned in that direction, for his hands were bound, and he had no other means of pointing—“you see a balcony covered with gold embroidery.”