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The one who spoke least was Menico, because his parents, alarmed

at his coming into collision with Don Roderick, had kept him in

the house for several days; they themselves, however, without

wishing to appear to know more than others, insinuated that the

fugitives had taken refuge at Pescarenico. This report, then,

became current among the villagers. But no one could account for

the attack of the bravoes: all agreed in suspecting Don Roderick;

but the rest was total obscurity. The presence of the three

bravoes at the inn was discussed, and the landlord was

interrogated; but his memory was, on this point, as defective as

ever. His inn, he concluded as usual, was just like a sea-port.

Who was this pilgrim, seen by Stefano and Carlandrea, and whom

the robbers wished to murder, and had carried off? For what

purpose had he been at the cottage?