Then, extending his hand, the old man said; 'I thank you, my son; and now leave me alone.'-- 'Yet'-- replied Carlini.--'Leave me, I command you.' Carlini obeyed, rejoined his comrades, folded himself in his cloak, and soon appeared to sleep as soundly as the rest.

It had been resolved the night before to change their encampment.

An hour before daybreak, Cucumetto aroused his men, and gave the word to march.

But Carlini would not quit the forest, without knowing what had become of Rita's father.

He went toward the place where he had left him.