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"I have to contradict another assertion made by these gentlemen," said Colomba. She threw open the door into the kitchen and instantly Brandolaccio, the licentiate in theology, and Brusco, the dog, marched into the room. The two bandits were unarmed apparently, at all events; they wore their cartridge belts, but the pistols, which are their necessary complement, were absent.
He helped himself then he gave some food to this dog, whom he introduced to Orso under the name of Brusco, as an animal possessing a wonderful instinct for recognising a soldier, whatever might be the disguise he had assumed. Lastly, he cut off a hunch of bread and a slice of raw ham, and gave them to his niece.
Hark ye, Ors' Anton'! when I heard the first piff, piff, says I to myself: 'Dash it, they're murdering my lieutenant! Then I heard boum, boum. 'Ha, ha! says I, 'that's the English gun beginning to talk he's firing back. But what on earth do you want with me, Brusco?" The dog guided him to the other field.
Here's another of them wiped out, and by a right and left too! It's striking." As he thus spoke his funeral oration over the Barricini, Brandolaccio hastily guided Orso, Chilina, and Brusco, the dog, toward the Stazzona maquis.
Besides, you have promised to paint my picture, and you haven't even begun it so far. And then I've promised to compose you a serenata, with seventy-five verses. And then but what can Brusco be growling about? And here's Brandolaccio running after him. I must go and see what's amiss."
It was Brusco, the comrade and follower of the bandits the herald, doubtless, of his master's approach. Never was any honest man more impatiently awaited. With his muzzle in the air, and turned toward the nearest fence, the dog sniffed anxiously.
Then stretching out his arm, "Hi, Brusco," he cried to his dog, "jump for the Signor Prefetto!" The dog jumped; the bandits swiftly snatched up their arms in the kitchen, fled across the garden, and at a shrill whistle the door of the room flew open as though by magic. "Signor Barricini," said Orso, and suppressed fury vibrated in his voice, "I hold you to be a forger!
"Gentlemen, I've brought some supper. Fall to, if you please, and don't you forget my friend Brusco." "You spoil Brusco, Mademoiselle Colomba. But he's a grateful dog. You shall see. Here, Brusco," and he held out his gun horizontally, "jump for the Barricini!" The dog stood motionless, licking his chops, and staring at his master. "Jump for the della Rebbia!"
They were easily made, here being a large quantity of underwood, and a great number of wild vines, which twist to the top of the highest trees, and from which they make a very good sort of wine they call brusco. I am now writing to you in one of these arbours, which is so thickly shaded, the sun is not troublesome, even at noon.
The following postscript closed the letter: "Dare I ask you what the Signor Prefetto thinks of the excellent education bestowed by my friend on Brusco, the dog? Next to Chilina, he is the most docile and promising pupil I have ever come across." The following day went by without any hostile demonstration. Both sides kept on the defensive.
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