"Pull up," a voice now cried from below, "I will hold tight."
Aslitta was young and powerful, but he had to exert himself terribly to pull up the heavy load and lift it over the rim of the well.
"Thank Heaven," the words reached his ear, "for the present we are saved. Ah, what would my poor Aurora say if she knew this?"
Aurora! This name seemed like a revelation to Aslitta, and, in glad surprise, he exclaimed:
"Bartolomeo—is it you?"
"Why, of course; but with whom have I the honor—It is as dark here as in a sack."
"I am Giorgio Aslitta."
"Heaven be praised that I have found you. I was looking for you."
"Indeed? Where, in truth, do you come from?"