"Rebellion, desertion, treason, and robbery! What else could be the penalty of these but death! He will be shot, of course, by the Bersaglieri."
"Alas!"
"Yet you will continue to wear their uniform?" said the old brigand, his moustaches quivering with anger.
"I follow the dictates of my conscience."
"Conscience!" replied the other, grimly. "I had such a thing about me once; but now—— Well! well!"
"Are they safe for Francesca, or safe for you, these evening errands into Oppido?"
"She goes in as the twilight falls, and always returns after dark, when none can see the way she takes. But our perils will be increased now that your precious Bersaglieri are so close at hand."
"They are increased, Giuseppe. A list of persons to be captured, and shot if found with arms in their hands, or who prove unable to give a satisfactory account of themselves, has been given by Cialdini to the Conte Manfredi, and your name is the first on that fatal roll, of which I made a copy no later than yesterday, by the Conte's order."
The outlaw only laughed at this, and his white teeth glistened under his dark moustache.
"They will never discover my retreat," said he.