If
you meet a spy, don't stop to argue with him; fire
at once---- I should be very glad of work, sir."
"Yes, I dare say, but I want an experienced
grass-cutter. No, I haven't got any coppers to-day."
A very ragged beggar had slouched up to them,
with a doleful, monotonous whine.
"Have pity on a poor blind man, in the name
of the Blessed Virgin------ Get out of this place at
once; there's a flying squadron coming along----
Most Holy Queen of Heaven, Maiden undefiled--
It's you they're after, Rivarez; they'll be here in
two minutes---- And so may the saints reward
you---- You'll have to make a dash for it; there
are spies at all the corners. It's no use trying to
slip away without being seen."
Marcone slipped the reins into the Gadfly's hand.
"Make haste! Ride out to the bridge and let
the horse go; you can hide in the ravine. We're
all armed; we can keep them back for ten minutes."
"No. I won't have you fellows taken. Stand
together, all of you, and fire after me in order.
Pages:
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403