and pressed closely against her guide, not uttering a syllable; but as she saw him advance with even step and composed countenance, she endeavored to repress her emotion.
“Suddenly, about ten paces from them, a man advanced from behind a tree and aimed at Vampa.
“ ‘Not another step,’ he said, ‘or you are a dead man.’
“ ‘What, then,’ said Vampa, raising his hand with a gesture of disdain, while Teresa, no longer able to restrain her alarm, clung closely to him, ‘do wolves rend each other?’
“ ‘Who are you?’ inquired the sentinel.
“ ‘I am Luigi Vampa, shepherd of the San-Felice farm.’
“ ‘What do you want?’
“ ‘I would speak with your companions who are in the glade at Rocca Bianca.’
“ ‘Follow me, then,’ said the sentinel; ‘or, as you know your way, go first.’
“Vampa smiled