Giuseppa drew near. She had just discovered the watch-chain, the end of which was hanging out of Fortunato’s jacket.
“Who gave you that watch?” demanded she in a severe tone.
“My cousin, the Adjutant.”
Falcone seized the watch and smashed it in a thousand pieces against a rock.
“Wife,” said he, “is this my child?”
Giuseppa’s cheeks turned a brick-red.
“What are you saying, Mateo? Do you know to whom you speak?”
“Very well, this child is the first of his race to commit treason.”
Fortunato’s sobs and gasps redoubled as Falcone kept his lynx-eyes upon him. Then he struck the earth with his gun-stock, shouldered the weapon, and turned in the direction of the mâquis, calling to Fortunato to follow. The boy obeyed. Giuseppa hastened after Mateo and seized his arm.
“He is your son,” said she with a trembling voice, fastening her black eyes on those of her husband to read what was going on in his heart.