We command you to deliver to us on this spot, safe and uninjured, the persons of our friends, and that without any unnecessary delay." The Duke listened with a sneer.
"And if we refuse, signorina ?" "If you refuse--if you do not obey at once--I swear that I will shoot your child, Tato, whose body yonder awaits my bullet.

And afterward I shall kill you." As she spoke she levelled the revolver and aimed it carefully at the exposed body of the child.
The brigand paled, and grasped the rock to steady himself.
"Bah! No girl can shoot from that distance," he exclaimed, scornfully.
"Indeed! Take care of your finger," called Beth, and a shot echoed sharply along the mountain side.
The brigand jumped and uttered a yell, at the same time whipping his right hand underneath his left arm; for Beth's bullet had struck one of his fingers and then flattened itself against the cliff.
That settled all argument, as far as Il Duca was concerned; for he now had ample evidence that the stern-eyed girl above him could shoot, and was not to be trifled with.

All his life he had ruled by the terror of his threats; to-day he was suddenly vanquished by a determination he dared not withstand.
"Enough!" he cried.

"Have your way." He spoke to his men in Italian, and they hastened through the tunnel, glad to escape.
Following their departure there was a brief silence, during which all stood alert.

Then, Tato, still half suspended against the cliff, said in a clear, soft voice: "Father, if you think you can escape, let them shoot me, and keep your prisoners.