returned Carlini. ‘At nine o’clock tomorrow Rita’s father will be here with the money.’
“ ‘It is well; in the meantime, we will have a merry night; this young girl is charming, and does credit to your taste. Now, as I am not egotistical, we will return to our comrades and draw lots for her.’
“ ‘You have determined, then, to abandon her to the common law?’ said Carlini.
“ ‘Why should an exception be made in her favor?’
“ ‘I thought that my entreaties—’
“ ‘What right have you, any more than the rest, to ask for an exception?’
“ ‘It is true.’
“ ‘But never mind,’ continued Cucumetto, laughing, ‘sooner or later your turn will come.’
Carlini’s teeth clenched convulsively.
“ ‘Now, then,’ said Cucumetto, advancing towards the other bandits, ‘are you coming?’
“ ‘I follow you.’
“Cucumetto departed,