Leaping to the ground Giovanni seized his arm and held him tightly.

Then Del Ferice broke down.
"You will not give me up--for the love of Christ!" he whined.

"Oh, if you have any pity--let me go--I never meant to harm you--" "Look here," said Giovanni.

"I would just as soon give you up to the Holy Office as not; but my wife asked me to save you--" "God bless her! Oh, the saints bless her! God render her kindness!" blubbered Del Ferice, who, between fear and exhaustion, was by this time half idiotic.
"Silence!" said Giovanni, sternly.

"You may thank her if you ever have a chance.