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"My father is Mateo Falcone," said he with emphasis. "You little scamp, you know very well that I can carry you off to Corte or to Bastia. I will make you lie in a dungeon, on straw, with your feet in shackles, and I will have you guillotined if you don't tell me where Gianetto is." The child burst out laughing at this ridiculous menace. He repeated: "My father is Mateo Falcone."
A good blow with the stiletto, which there would be no need of repeating, would have immediately paid the insult. However, Mateo made no other movement than to place his hand on his forehead like a man who is dazed. Fortunato had gone into the house when his father arrived, but now he reappeared with a bowl of milk which he handed with downcast eyes to Gianetto.
"What will you give me if I hide you?" said he, coming nearer. The outlaw felt in a leather pocket that hung from his belt, and took out a five-franc piece, which he had doubtless saved to buy ammunition with. Fortunato smiled at the sight of the silver piece; he snatched it, and said to Gianetto: "Fear nothing." Immediately he made a great hole in a pile of hay that was near the house.
"Yes, Gianetto was hidden under the hay-pile yonder, but my little cousin showed me the trick. I shall tell his uncle, the Caporal, that he may send him a fine present for his trouble. Both his name and yours will be in the report that I shall send to the Attorney-general." "Malediction!" said Mateo in a low voice. They had rejoined the detachment.
However, the Adjutant seemed in earnest in offering his watch. Fortunato did not reach out his hand for it, but said with a bitter smile: "Why do you make fun of me?" "Good God! I am not making fun of you. Only tell me where Gianetto is and the watch is yours."
The child finished the litany in a scarcely audible tone. "Are you finished?" "Oh! my father, have mercy! Pardon me! I will never do so again. I will beg my cousin, the Caporal, to pardon Gianetto." He was still speaking. Mateo raised his gun, and, taking aim, said: "May God pardon you!" The boy made a desperate effort to rise and grasp his father's knees, but there was not time.
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