The eye of the bandit flashed with covetousness.
"Ah!" said he, holding out his hand, "What is that?"
"This medallion," replied the marchioness, "contains relics."
"Relics!" he exclaimed; "Real?"
"Certainly, it contains a splinter of the true cross, and a tooth of Santa Rosa de Lima."
"Ah! And they are of use, are they not? Father Gomez, my brother's chaplain, says that the relics of saints are the best arms that a Christian can carry with him."
"He is right; these are infallible against wounds and sickness."
The bandit's eye dilated; an indescribable expression of joy overspread his countenance.
"And you will give them to me?" he quickly exclaimed.
"I give them to you, but on one condition."