"The Marquis knows how to strike!" he exclaimed. "But he has yet to learn how to remove his victims." And the Sicilian flung the baggage out into the sea. Then, with the greatest difficulty, he pushed the half living body of his enemy over the embankment into the water.
"Santa Maria be praised! The danger is over," and, crossing himself, he hurried on.
When Volpetti heard, instead of Brosseur's heavy tread, light feet very near him, he instinctively clasped the box to his breast and clutched his dagger. Then he turned, calling out:
"Brosseur! Rascal! Where are you?"
For answer, a heavy blow descended on his head. Volpetti grasped his pistol and turned, but his adversary flung his strong arms around him, seized the pistol, which he pressed to the other's head, saying:
"Give me the box or I shall blow your brains out."
Volpetti struggled and tried to reach his dagger, but René twisted the refractory arm until it snapped in the socket, making its owner roar with pain. Louis Pierre had just leaped ashore, and, guided by the commotion of the struggle, he ran to the group, which he expected to consist of the two Italians.
Just then Giacinto ran up, crying gleefully:
"Aha! Do you recognize Giacinto Palli? Let us throw him into the sea."
"Not here," said Louis Pierre, binding his hands and feet. "He might save himself."