"No, I give it to you, Giovanni. It will ease my conscience of the sin of gambling."
"Both of you will live to a good old age," said Giovanni prophetically. "Good men are needed in the world, and God doesn't take all of them young."
"And the man?" Hillard could not refrain from putting this question.
Giovanni looked down. "The signore told me never to speak of that again."
"So I did," replied Hillard. "But all is changed now."
"Do you think so?" Giovanni did not smile.
"Go back to your hills with your daughter and leave vengeance in the hands of God. Forget this man who has wronged you. You are free now; and with care and love you may bring happiness back to her. Forget."
"If he does not cross my path; and if she lives. I have suffered too greatly to forgive and forget. I promise not to seek him."
This was a great victory, and Hillard thrust out his hand. Giovanni did not take it.
"No, signore, I have only promised not to seek him."