Rome.
“Teresa and Luigi reached the summit, and all at once found themselves in the presence of twenty bandits.
“ ‘Here is a young man who seeks and wishes to speak to you,’ said the sentinel.
“ ‘What has he to say?’ inquired the young man who was in command in the chief’s absence.
“ ‘I wish to say that I am tired of a shepherd’s life,’ was Vampa’s reply.
“ ‘Ah, I understand,’ said the lieutenant; ‘and you seek admittance into our ranks?’
“ ‘Welcome!’ cried several bandits from Ferrusino, Pampinara, and Anagni, who had recognized Luigi Vampa.
“ ‘Yes, but I came to ask something more than to be your companion.’
“ ‘And what may that be?’ inquired the bandits with astonishment.
“ ‘I come to ask to be your captain,’ said the young man.
“The bandits shouted with laughter.