In Venice there exist but five banditti; you see
them before you; wilt thou be the sixth? Doubt not thou wilt find
sufficient employment. My name is Matteo, and I am the father of
the band: that sturdy fellow with the red locks is called Baluzzo;
he, whose eyes twinkle like a cat's, is Thomaso, an arch-knave, I
promise you; 'twas Pietrino whose bones you handled so roughly to-
night; and yon thick-lipped Colossus, who stands next to Cinthia, is
named Stuzza. Now, then, you know us all--and since you are a
penniless devil, we are willing to incorporate you in our society;
but we must first be assured that you mean honestly by us."
Abellino smiled, or rather grinned, and murmured hoarsely--"I am
starving."
"Answer, fellow! Dost thou mean honestly by us?"
"That must the event decide."
"Mark me, knave; the first suspicion of treachery costs you your
life. Take shelter in the Doge's palace, and girdle yourself round
with all the power of the Republic--though clasped in the Doge's
arms, and protected by a hundred cannons, still would we murder you!
Fly to the high altar; press the crucifix to your bosom, and even at
mid-day, still would we murder you. Think on this well, fellow, and
forget not we are banditti!"
"You need not tell me that. But give me some food, and then I'll
prate with you as long as you please. At present I am starving.
Four-and-twenty hours have elapsed since I last tasted nourishment."
Cinthia now covered a small table with her best provisions, and
filled several silver goblets with delicious wine.
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