"Have no fear," he said. "We are merely travelers, and one of us is grievously wounded. In Heaven's name, render what assistance you can!"
The young peasant turned and came cautiously towards them.
"This is a dangerous neighborhood," said he; "it is infested by bandits of the most reckless and daring description."
"We have abundant reason to know it," answered Espérance, "for we have just had a very narrow escape from a horrible death at the hands of some of Luigi Vampa's men."
"Luigi Vampa's men!" echoed the peasant, in astonishment.
"And they released you of their own accord? I never heard of such a thing! It is not their custom to free their prey, at least without a heavy ransom. Did they rob you, or did you pay them for your liberty?"
The peasant's amazement was redoubled. He glanced inquiringly at the prostrate Viscount.
"How came your comrade to be wounded?" he asked.
"His arm was shattered by the pistol of a gigantic bandit."
"Ludovico?" demanded the peasant, glancing around him, as if he expected to see the huge assailant.
"I believe that was his name," returned Espérance. "But he will do no more injury!"
"You do not mean to say that you killed him?"
"And yet you were allowed to go free! I cannot understand it!"
"Perhaps not, but you can understand that my friend is badly hurt and needs immediate aid and shelter. Is there not some hospitable cabin in the vicinity to which he can be conveyed, where he can be attended to until assistance arrives from Rome?"
The peasant hesitated for an instant; then he said:
"My father lives at a short distance from here; he could shelter you if he would, but he is in such terror of the bandits that, under the circumstances, he would probably close his door against you."
"He need have no fear of the brigands in this case, for Luigi Vampa has just given us a signal proof of his protection. Besides, he assured us that he was our friend."
"This is singular, indeed," said the peasant, again hesitating. "Luigi Vampa is a friend to but very few, and they are those with whom he is in league. You certainly are not in league with him, or you would not have killed Ludovico!"
"This is no time for parley," replied Espérance. "My friend is suffering, and humanity alone should cause your father to receive him. I will engage to appease Luigi Vampa's anger, should it be aroused; at the worst, I pledge myself to surrender with my friend at the first summons to do so, and to assure the brigand chief that your father is altogether blameless. Come, can I not prevail upon you to be generous and humane?"