From that place it was forwarded by running relays of volunteer messengers.
There were points of Italy which the Chief could reach four-and-twenty hours in advance of the Government with all its aids and machinery.
Vittoria had simply put her initials at the foot of the letter.

Carlo read it eagerly and cast it aside.

It dealt in ideas and abstract phraseology; he could get nothing of it between his impatient teeth; he was reduced to a blank wonder at the reason for her sending it on to him.

It said indeed--and so far it seemed to have a meaning for her: 'No backward step.

We can bear to fall; we cannot afford to draw back.' And again: 'Remember that these uprisings are the manifested pulsations of the heart of your country, so that none shall say she is a corpse, and knowing that she lives, none shall say that she deserves not freedom.