Page:In Maremma, by Ouida (vol 2).djvu/202

 wrenched off behind it. The thirst for the liberty of the hills was like a madness on him.

To his gaolers and his companions in misery he never spoke. If he could have slain them all and so escaped, he would have done it.

'She is beautiful and her mother was noble,' he muttered. 'The woman who took her was a good woman. There was love in your eyes as you looked at her; one gives the world for that—I have not forgotten. Will you help me to get free for her sake?'

'You would torment her'

'No; I might have called to the gaolers yesterday, and if I had said to them "yonder child is of my blood," they would have let me speak to her. But I would not. I stole her gold toys; I would rather she should never knowYou are a sailor, you have a ship; if you can get me away, take me to Sardinia. There are Mastarna men there; kindred of mine. They, too, live by the mountains; they would make me welcome'

The overseer turned and resumed his walk near them.