Volume I Part 40 (1/2)
”Special order from the marshal,” replied the corporal
”Which reached you?” asked the sergeant, distrustfully
”Yes; do not consider any longer!” thundered Bartoloht the order eant saw the Austrian uniform; he disappeared hurriedly, and Bartolo is not hoisted before twoceased, a loud noise was heard The Italians saluted the white flag--the signal of peace
In the barracks itself loud curses were heard--Count San Pietro had discovered that the white flag had been hoisted, and was heaping insults upon the officers No one adh, did not look kindly upon the proposition of an old colonel to have the flag removed With a diabolical smile he said:
”If the patriots have any confidence in the flag then it's their own fault Follow et your stupidity”
A few minutes later a terrible crash was heard, followed by a loud cry
From all the s the bullets flew; the cannons threw death and destruction into the ranks of the trusting patriots
The confusion only lasted a le one must escape--doith the poliziotti!” exclaimed the Italians, wildly
In firainst the barracks, and then they paused Suppose treachery was in store for theht and left, to make room for two persons: a white-haired old man and a handsome dark-featured boy The old man turned to the Italians, and said in a loud voice:
”Friends and brothers! The barracks of San Francisco, San Vittore and the military hospital are in our possession Radetzky's palace has been stormed, and the marshal's baton has fallen into the hands of the conquerors Forward, with God! We two, an old man and a weak child, will show you the way!”
Proudly erect, the old man strode toward the door, and Spero walked hurriedly behind him, and a fanatical, enthusiastic crowd followed
On the threshold stood an Austrian officer He lifted his gun, and triumphantly exclaimed:
”Ha, Monte-Cristo--to-day I shall strike you through the heart! Curses on you and your race!”
The gun directed against Spero's breast went off When the smoke had cleared away, the boy stood there unharmed, while aadvantage of the confusion, he ran away and came just in the nick of time to receive Benedetto's murderous bullet in his breast
A quarter of an hour later Aslitta appeared accompanied by Monte-Cristo and La Luciola He was still pale and exhausted, but he swung his sword and joyfully exclaimed: ”Radetzky has fled The citadel has surrendered”
The Italians embraced each other Their dream was realized Milan was free
”Papa,” whispered Spero, ”co over there who sacrificed himself for me”
Monte-Crisobnt over the hted up joyfully when he saw the count
”Let me see the wound,” said Monte-Cristo ”Who knows but--”
”Unnecessary,” whispered Bartolomeo; ”my adopted son understands--how--to--aim!”