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 that of the little girl. Write also from where you come, and whither you are going."

My brother wrote all he was asked to, and returned the paper to the leader.

The latter read it, surprise and anger mingling on his face. He turned to me:

"Your name?"

I gave it.

"Your brother's?"

I gave that, too.

"Where have you come from?"

I told him.

"And where are you going?"

Again I told him.

He tore the paper into bits, in a fury.

"Anathema on your heads, you idiot pallikaria!" he cried. "You have captured the wrong people, while the others are now escaping us."

"I happen to have read in the paper," put in Mano, "that Spiropoulo and his sister are going by boat to Myrsina, and thence to their homes."

There was consternation among the bandits.

"We have very little," my brother continued. "Take what we have, and let us go."

"Oh, please! please!" I implored, "do not take my ring. It is the only piece of jewellery left to me."

"Here! here!" one of the men exclaimed;