“ ‘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 disdainfully at this precaution on the part of the bandit, went before Teresa, and continued to advance with the same firm and easy step as before. At the end of ten minutes the bandit made them a sign to stop. The two young persons obeyed. Then the bandit thrice imitated the cry of a crow; a croak answered this signal.