For ten years the village of Sullacro had been divided over the quarrel of two families, the Orlandi and the Colonaa quarrel that had originated in the seizure of a paltry hen belonging to the Orlandi, which had flown into the poultry-yard of the Colonas.

For ten years the village of Sullacro had been divided over the quarrel of two families, the Orlandi and the Colonaa quarrel that had originated in the seizure of a paltry hen belonging to the Orlandi, which had flown into the poultry-yard of the Colonas.

To-night Lucien was to arrange matters with Orlandi, as he had already done with Colona, and the meeting-place was at the ruins of the Castle of Vicentello d'Istria.

Orlandi made his appearance exactly at nine o'clock, and after some discussion agreed to Lucien's terms.

I found that I was expected to act as surety for Orlandi, and accepted the responsibility.

Next morning came the grand reconciliation of Orlandi and Colona, in the market square in the presence of the mayor and the notary.