The natural messengers of the bandits are the shepherds who live between the city and the mountains, between civilized and savage life.

The boy undertook the commission, promising to be in Frosinone in less than an hour.

Carlini returned, anxious to see his mistress, and announce the joyful intelligence.

He found the troop in the glade, supping off the provisions exacted as contributions from the peasants; but his eye vainly sought Rita and Cucumetto among them.

He inquired where they were, and was answered by a burst of laughter.