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It then proceeded to explain that Denise Lange had inherited the property known as the Perucca property, in the commune of Calvi, in the Island of Corsica. Followed a schedule of the said property, which included the historic chateau, known as the Casa Perucca.
Perucca was the poorer by the complete disappearance of one of its sunniest slopes, but the house stood unhurt. "No more will fall," said Denise presently. "See; there is the bare rock." Mademoiselle rose, and came slowly towards Denise. They were recovering from their terror now. For at all events, the cause of it lay before them, and lacked the dread uncertainty of an earthquake.
"That story was buried with Perucca," he said, after a long pause. "Perhaps the Abbe Susini knows it. Who can tell what a priest knows? There were two Peruccas once fine, big men and neither married. The other Andrei Perucca who has been in hell these thirty years, made sheep's eyes, they told me, at de Vasselot's young wife. She was French, and willing enough, no doubt.
She looked down in order to make sure of her foothold, and something caught her eye. She knelt down eagerly, and then, looking up, glanced round surreptitiously like a thief. She could not see the Casa Perucca. She was alone on this solitary mountain-side. Slowly she collected the debris of the broken rock, which was mixed with a red powdery soil.
Florent shot Pietro Andrei on the high-road. Pietro Andrei was in the way, and a little subtle revival of a forgotten vendetta secured his removal. I see now whence came the anonymous letter intended to frighten Mattei Perucca away from here. It frightened him into the next world."
"Well, Monsieur l'Abbe," she said, "what is it?" "It is that Mademoiselle Brun and yourself will have but two hours to prepare for your departure from the Casa Perucca," he answered. And he drew out a large silver watch, which he consulted with the quiet air of a commander. Denise glanced at him with some surprise, and then smiled.
Florent to-night could surely, with this wind, reach St. Raphael to-morrow." The abbe was looking at her with manifest approval. "Clever," he said "clever." Mademoiselle Brun rose to go as abruptly as she had come. "Personally," she said, "I shall be glad to be rid of Perucca for ever but I fancied there are reasons." "Yes," said the priest, slowly, "there are reasons." "Oh!
But, in case of a reverse, there is only too much reason to fear that internal disturbances will arise in France, and consequently in this unfortunate island. It is, therefore, my duty to urge upon you the necessity of quitting Perucca without delay.
They disappeared bag and baggage went to Paris, I understand; and they say the count died there, or was perhaps killed by the Peruccas, who grew strong under Mattei, so that in a few years it would have been impossible for a de Vasselot to show his face in this country. Then Mattei Perucca died, and was hardly in his grave before this man came.
There were three other men whom the abbe knew by sight and reputation. One by one they rose to their feet and slowly cocked their old-fashioned single-barrelled guns. "It is the carriage from Olmeta must be going to Perucca," reported the boy. And at the word Perucca, the count scrambled to his feet, only to be dragged back by Jean. The old man's eyes were alight with fear and hatred.