144. “Oh, Father, Father, mercy! Pardon me! I will never do it again! I will beg my cousin the corporal with all my might for mercy for Gianetto!”
145. He went on speaking; Mateo loaded his rifle and took aim as he said:
146. “May God forgive you!”
Full Climax and Denouement.
147. The boy made a desperate effort to get up and clasp his father’s knees, but he had not time. Mateo fired, and Fortunato fell dead.
Note force of “throwing.”
148. Without throwing a single glance at the body, Mateo returned to his house to fetch a spade with which to bury his son. He had taken but a few steps when he met Giuseppa, who had run out, alarmed by the sound of the firing.
149. “What have you done?”
150. “Justice!”
151. “Where is he?”