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But Don Abbondio could not see so much reason for congratulation;

the great concourse of people suggested new causes of alarm.

"Oh," murmured he to the females when no one was near enough to

hear him; "oh, do you not perceive that by assembling here in

such crowds we shall attract the notice of the soldiery? As every

one flies and no one remains at home, they will believe that our

treasures are up here, and this belief will lead them hither. Oh,

poor me! why was I so thoughtless as to venture here!"

"What should they come here for?" said Perpetua, "they are

obliged to pursue their route; and, at all events, where there is

danger, it is best to have plenty of company."