Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 2.djvu/256

232 left the island. I'd like to see his rage. And how's your arm?"

"They tell me I shall get rid of my sling in a fortnight," said the young man. "Brando, my good friend, I'm going to Italy to-morrow — I wanted to say good-bye to you and to the cure. That's why I asked you to come here."

"You're in a fine hurry," said Brandolaccio. " Only acquitted yesterday, and you're off tomorrow."

"Business must be attended to," said the young lady merrily. "Gentlemen, I've brought some supper. Fall to, if you please, and don't you forget my friend Brusco."

"You spoil Brusco, Mademoiselle Colomba. But he's a grateful dog. You shall see. Here, Brusco," and he held out his gun horizontally, "jump for the Barricini! "

The dog stood motionless, licking his chops, and staring at his master.

"Jump for the della Rebbia!" And he leaped two feet higher than he need have done.

"Look here, my friends," said Orso, "you're plying a bad trade; and even if you don't end your career on that square down below us, the best you can look for is to die in the mâquis by some gendarme's bullet."