Fortunato replied with the utmost coolness:
“Your gun’s empty, and there ain’t any cartridges left in your carchera.”[44]
“I have my stiletto.”
“But can you run as fast I can?”
He gave a leap and placed himself out of danger.
“You are not Mateo Falcone’s son! Will you let me be arrested in front of your house?”
The child seemed to be moved.
“What will you give me if I hide you?” he said, drawing nearer.
The bandit felt in a leather pocket that hung from his belt and took out a five-franc piece, which he had kept in reserve, no doubt, to buy powder. Fortunato smiled at sight of the silver; he seized it and said to Gianetto:
“Don’t be afraid.”