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He took the hand of Renzo, who followed him, without daring to

ask a question. The friar led the way into one of the cabins. The

first object Renzo beheld was a sick person seated on a bed of

straw, who appeared to be convalescent. On seeing the father, he

shook his head, as if to say No. The father bowed his with an air

of sorrow and resignation. Renzo, meanwhile, gazing with uneasy

curiosity around the cabin, beheld in the corner of it a sick

person lying on a feather bed, wrapped up in a sheet, and covered

with a cloak. Looking attentively, he recognised Don Roderick!