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Colico was the first territory of the duchy that these demons

invaded; they then threw themselves on Bellano, from which they

entered and spread themselves in the Valsassina, whence they

marched into the territory of Lecco.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Here, among those who were expecting the arrival of the army in

alarm and consternation, we find persons of our acquaintance. He

who did not behold Don Abbondio on the day when the report was

spread of the descent of the army, of its near approach, and its

excesses, can have no idea of the power of fright upon a feeble

mind. All sorts of reports were afloat. They are coming-thirty,

forty, fifty thousand men. They have sacked Cortenova; burnt

Primaluna; plundered Introbbio, Pasturo, Barsio. They have been

seen at Balobbio; to-morrow they will be here. Such were the

statements in circulation. The villagers assembled in tumultuous

crowds, hesitating whether to fly or remain, while the women

lamented aloud over their miserable fate.