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Updated: May 2, 2025
There is some ancient history in regard to these matters which ought to be retold in the light of modern knowledge; for example, the case of Patti, the Sicilian banker. He had a prosperous institution in which were deposited the earnings of many Italians, poor and wealthy. Lupo's gang got after him and demanded a large sum for "protection." But Patti had a disinclination to give up, and refused.
Miss Campbell decided not to reply to Lupo's outburst. It only excited him and it was evident her arguments had no effect. And now, after what seemed an interminable time, the door resounded with the blows of a woodman's axe. "Go up into the gallery, Phoebe," ordered Miss Campbell, trembling in spite of her determination not to be frightened. Phoebe rose and walked to the middle of the room.
"Perhaps someone has told him it would be safer to keep away for a while." "But why? He has never injured anyone in his life." "It is all Lupo's doings and that is one reason why we want you to go with us down to the village and show yourself, so that they can see you have a number of very good friends to look after your interests."
Oh, the joy of sinking to the floor in front of that warm blaze! Ben consulted with the girl at the door of the cabin, and the strange father, rubbing his hands and smiling absently, remarked with an accent that was very different from Mr. Lupo's or any of the natives thereabouts: "Not half bad, this fire, eh? Rather cheerful on a dull night."
Billie felt instinctively it was Lupo's. "That there old rusty gun ain't got no loads in it, Miss. You kin shoot all you like." There was another pause, and the blows began again. Alberdina gave evidence of wishing to speak, but Miss Campbell interrupted her. "Never mind, Alberdina," she said impatiently. "You may go up into the gallery if you like. You are quite safe. They only want Miss Phoebe."
All of the men wore masks except Lupo and the innkeeper, who were boldly undisguised. They peered about the room. Suddenly Lupo's eye caught a corner of the staircase at the far end. "They're upstairs. Come on, men," he called. Billie raised the shotgun to her shoulder. "I'll shoot the old thing off this time if it flies to pieces," she said, and pulled the trigger with all her might.
But the force of her splendid will and courage struck home. The carving knife slipped from Mrs. Lupo's hand and stood upright between them in the board floor of the porch. "Get down on your knees," ordered Miss Campbell, and all this time she had never taken her eyes off Mrs. Lupo's.
They know we are too powerful for them, but I couldn't say the same for that poor girl and her father. I suppose jealousy and Lupo's treachery are the motives behind it. The father does better work than any of them can do and the mountaineers resent the difference between them, whatever it is, birth, breeding, education. But we can't judge them by the usual standards, of course.
Lupo held her hands behind her back. Miss Campbell noticed at once that the woman's expression had changed. She had lost that look of a shy gentle animal. Her eyes had narrowed into little slits and her upper lip was drawn back showing an even row of glistening teeth. Without taking her eyes off Mrs. Lupo's, Miss Campbell sat up very straight and stiff.
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