"That is a terrible man, but I must not betray the Almighty! Tell me what to do! Tell me what to do!" Indeed the parish priest had a holy fear of God, but he was also not without a certain fear (half holy, half human), of Don Clemente, of the austere conscience which would judge him.

At that decisive moment the wisest course to pursue became suddenly clear to Don Clemente.
"Arrange for the viaticum," said he, "and come with me at once, to hear this poor young man's confession.

Benedetto will show whether he be a heretic or a man of God!" The servant came to say a gentleman begged the priest to make haste, for the sick man was dying.
Don Clemente, much exhausted, entered the hut, with Giovanni and the parish priest.

He called Benedetto to him, standing near the door and spoke to him in an undertone.

The rattling had begun in the sick man's throat.