Carlini’s Ransom Arrangement for Rita
Carlini joyfully told Rita she was saved and bade her write to her father, fixing her ransom at three hundred piastres with only twelve hours allowed—until nine the next morning. Seizing the letter, Carlini hastened to find a messenger, recruiting a young shepherd who promised to reach Frosinone in less than an hour. When Carlini returned to announce the good news, he found the troop supping in a glade but could not find Rita or Cucumetto among them.
Carlini Discovers Rita’s Rape and Murder
When Carlini inquired about Rita, the bandits burst into laughter. One offered him a glass of Orvietto, toasting “the brave Cucumetto and the fair Rita.” Hearing a woman’s cry, Carlini broke the glass across the bandit’s face and rushed toward the sound, finding Rita senseless in Cucumetto’s arms. Cucumetto rose with pistols in hand, but Carlini’s features gradually relaxed and his hand fell to his side. Cucumetto coolly proposed they return to draw lots for Rita, asking if Carlini’s commission had been executed; Carlini confirmed the ransom would arrive at nine.
Carlini Kills Diavolaccio in Retaliation
The brigands demanded lots be drawn. All names, including Carlini’s, were placed in a hat, and the youngest drew the ticket bearing Diavolaccio’s name—the very bandit Carlini had struck across the face. Diavolaccio laughed, showing his bleeding wound, and asked Cucumetto to propose a toast. To everyone’s astonishment, Carlini calmly drank to Diavolaccio’s health, then sat by the fire and ate. When Diavolaccio returned bearing Rita, her hair sweeping the ground, the band saw by the firelight the unearthly pallor of both: a knife was plunged to the hilt in Rita’s left breast, and Carlini’s sheath was empty.
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