The crowd parted before them, and Benedetto, stepping aside sought refuge behind Don Clemente; an involuntary action, which however, seemed premeditated.

Every one was trembling and smiling, in the anticipation of another miracle.

The two women were not deceived; they passed Don Clemente without so much as a glance, turned to Benedetto, and the elder said firmly: "Holy man of God! You have healed this one, now heal the other also!" Benedetto replied, almost under his breath, trembling violently: "I am not a holy man; I did not heal this one, and for the other one of whom you speak, I can only pray." When they had told him that the sick man was their brother, that he was in the hut, stretched on the bed, and suffering greatly, Benedetto said to Don Clemente: "Let us go and care for him!" And he started forward with his master.

Behind them the divided stream of people flowed together again, noisily.

Benedetto turned, and forbade them to follow him; he ordered the women to attend to the young girl, who must not climb the steep hill on foot, under the burning rays of the sun.