"What a question! our master never spares any Germans who fall into his hands. It is a real pleasure for us to cut your throats!"
"Who is your master?"
"Ask him yourself!"
"And the lady!--The villain!--let this bandit but dare to be wanting in respect!"
"I suppose that you would leave your grave to twist his neck," sneered Wido. "But here comes our master himself, to give you every explanation which you may desire."
The Unknown, at the same moment, came up, with his helmet closed; halting in front of Erwin, he stood with arms folded, as though deliberating on his fate.
"Raise your visor, villain, and show me your bandit's face!" said Erwin, furiously.
"It is unnecessary; I am a brave Lombard, who has sworn to free his country of German tyranny. That ought to suffice you."
"And meanwhile you practise a truly Lombard profession,--robbers, assassins, and cheats, that you all are!"
"Spare your words, and listen to me. I have no doubt that what I have done appears criminal, particularly in the eyes of the noble Count of Rechberg, for whom, in spite of the hatred which I bear his race, I still have a certain respect, on account of his generous sentiments. Without this consideration, I would have killed you immediately; for I am bound by a solemn oath to destroy the enemies of Italy, wherever I can meet them."