A terrible battle between the two men seemed imminent; but by degrees Carlini's features relaxed, his hand, which had grasped one of the pistols in his belt, fell to his side.

Rita lay between them.

The moon lighted the group.
"'Well,' said Cucumetto, 'have you executed your commission ?' "'Yes, captain,' returned Carlini.

'At nine o'clock to-morrow Rita's father will be here with the money.'-- 'It is well; in the meantime, we will have a merry night; this young girl is charming, and does credit to your taste.

Now, as I am not egotistical, we will return to our comrades and draw lots for her.'-- 'You have determined, then, to abandon her to the common law ?' said Carlini.
"'Why should an exception be made in her favor ?' "'I thought that my entreaties'-- "'What right have you, any more than the rest, to ask for an exception ?'--'It is true.'-- 'But never mind,' continued Cucumetto, laughing, 'sooner or later your turn will come.' Carlini's teeth clinched convulsively.
"'Now, then,' said Cucumetto, advancing towards the other bandits, 'are you coming ?'--'I follow you.' "Cucumetto departed, without losing sight of Carlini, for, doubtless, he feared lest he should strike him unawares; but nothing betrayed a hostile design on Carlini's part.