Cucumetto seemed to yield to his friend's entreaties, and bade him find a shepherd to send to Rita's father at Frosinone.

Carlini flew joyfully to Rita, telling her she was saved, and bidding her write to her father, to inform him what had occurred, and that her ransom was fixed at three hundred piastres.

Twelve hours' delay was all that was granted--that is, until nine the next morning.

The instant the letter was written, Carlini seized it, and hastened to the plain to find a messenger.

He found a young shepherd watching his flock.