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The flying squadron of Venetians also removed, and the country

was again free from invaders. Already the inhabitants of the

different villages had begun to quit the castle; some departed

every day, as after an autumn storm the birds of heaven leave the

leafy branches of a great tree, under whose shelter they had

sought and obtained protection. Our three friends were the last

to depart, as Don Abbondio feared, if he returned so soon to his

house, to find there some loitering soldiers. Perpetua in vain

repeated, that the longer they delayed, the greater opportunity

they afforded to the thieves of the country to take possession of

all that might have been left by the spoilers.

On the day fixed for their departure, the Unknown had a carriage

ready at Malanotte, and, taking Agnes aside, he made her accept a

bag of crowns, to repair the damage she would find at home;

although she protested she was in no need of them, having still

some of those he had formerly sent her.