He asked to be allowed to remain alone with the sick man and the woman for five minutes, whispered something to the man, who appeared to consent with tears in his voice, and then taking the little hunchback aside, he told her the invalid was now willing to see a priest, but that he could not tell when he himself would be free to bring one to him.

The poor little creature was trembling from head to foot, partly with fear, partly with joy, and she could only repeat over and over again: "Blessed Jesus! Holy Virgin!" Benedetto sought to reassure her, promised to return as soon as possible, and, having said good-bye, went down-stairs with the _delegato_.
In the street the crowd had increased in size, and the people were pressing noisily and threateningly round the cyclist, who had remained near the carriage, and in whom they had recognised a policeman in plain clothes.

He would not tell them why he had come first to gather information, and had then returned with the other individual.

They tried to force the cabman to drive away, and even talked of unharnessing the horse.

When the _delegato_ appeared with Benedetto they surrounded him, crying: "Away with the ruffian!--Away with him!--Down with him!--Leave that man alone!--Look out for the thieves, _per Dio!_ You take God's servants, and let the thieves run free!--Away with you!--Down with you!" Benedetto came forward, motioned to them with both hands to be quiet, and begged them over and over again to go away peacefully, for no one wished to hurt him; he had not been arrested, but was going with this gentleman of his own free-will.