Page:In Maremma, by Ouida (vol 1).djvu/293

 indeed that they have got him. Are you certain it is true?'

'Oh, yes,' said the little lad; 'they shot him down as they shoot the roebucks here, and took him; he was alive, though badly hurt. He fought like a devil, but there was the whole troop of the carabineers all there. They do say that another one, who got away from Gorgona with hin, is loose still, hiding somewhere in the hills, but about that I do not know much. But there is a reward for anyone who sees him, and I mean to look about; I might get the money as well as another.'

'I am glad he is taken,' said Musa, unheeding; 'I am glad. He robbed them and he was false to me.'

Zirlo shuddered. Had he not himself cheated her to go and nibble at mother Deaneira's stall?

'You are savage,' he said with a little whimper and tremor. 'That poor soul was a brave man they say, and never did any sin except lightening rich men's purses; he used to live upon the mountains, right away there as high as the stars are, and never touched a poor man; they all say so,—only the rich'