e a
good, kind heart. As the man approached Esperance recognized his
song--it was that beautiful and expressive serenade, "Cara Nina," a
melody dear to all youthful Italian lovers whether humble or of high
degree.

The man at length came in sight; he was walking leisurely, but with a
long, swinging gait. His voice was a clear, full tenor robusto, and the
notes of his delicious love song trilled from his throat with wonderful
effect in the still, balmy air of the tranquil, glorious night. He was
not over twenty, was a stalwart peasant, and the moonlight showed that
he possessed a manly, open countenance. So engrossed was he by his
serenade that he failed to notice Giovanni lying at the foot of the huge
tree and Esperance standing beside him. He was passing on when the
latter hailed him. He paused, somewhat alarmed, and his hand
instinctively grasped a weapon concealed in his bosom. Esperance
hastened to reassure him.

"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 Esperance, "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.

"Yes."

"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?"

"Neither," replied Esperance.

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 Esperance. "But he will do no
more injury!"

"You do not mean to say that you killed him?"

"I do."

"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