As she said these words she pushed the two little blond heads into the arms of their father.
The brigands, hesitating, touched, without knowing why, struck with an involuntary respect for the woman, remained immovable, with their eyes fixed upon their chief, as if waiting to ascertain his wishes. He stood, brooding, nervous, his eyes bent upon the ground, hardly daring to look upon Sivora, at once his suppliant and accuser, a prey to violent emotions. The authority of that respected voice, and the irritation at being deprived of his revenge,--the invincible love he had for the woman, and the shame of giving way before his men,--all these warring considerations, the effects of which were plainly to be seen on his swarthy face, spoke of the severe contest going on within.
At length his evil genius got the control.
"What do I care for his solicitude and his tenderness?" he said, in a coarse voice. "He would forget all as soon as he should get out of our hands; and he would, no doubt, send the police after us if we should let him go. I know what the promises of captives are worth. Besides, _I_ command here, I alone, and I will be obeyed. Take away these children; and you, comrades, despatch your your prisoner."
"Ah! is it so?" exclaimed Sivora, in a piercing voice, throwing herself before the bandits, who were pushing their victim towards the chasm. "Then I will beg no more; I _command_ now. Listen to me well, for these are my last words. You know with what devotion, with what resignation, I have supported this bitter life which you brought me to among these mountains. The isolation, the sorrow, the shame, I have endured for thee. I have never complained. I hoped, after such sacrifices, you would at length listen to my words, and renounce your bad life. But since you do not care for my devotion, since I am nothing to you, listen well to my words, Pietratesta. If you dare to commit this odious crime, look for a mother for your children, for, with your victim, you will slay your wife!"
So saying, she advanced close to the brink of the cliff, over which she could spring at the signal from her husband.
Salvator, motionless and rooted to the spot, in silence, full of anxiety, observed this strange scene. The robbers, hardened by crime, for the first time hesitated at the command of their chief, and fixed their eyes upon the beautiful woman to whom despair added a new charm. They quailed before her authority, and stood as motionless as statues.