A _biroccino_, an extremely light vehicle with two huge wheels and a small seat perched upon the springs, whisked by like a gust of wind.

From time to time also the victoria passed a _carrotino_, one of the low carts in which peasants, sheltered by a kind of bright-hued tent, bring the wine, vegetables, and fruit of the castle-lands to Rome.

The shrill tinkling of horses' bells was heard afar off as the animals followed the well-known road of their own accord, their peasant drivers usually being sound asleep.

Women with bare, black hair, scarlet neckerchiefs, and skirts caught up, were seen going home in groups of three and four.

And then the road again emptied, and the solitude became more and more complete, without a wayfarer or an animal appearing for miles and miles, whilst yonder, at the far end of the lifeless sea, so grandiose and mournful in its monotony, the sun continued to descend from the infinite vault of heaven.
"And the Pope, Abbe, is he dead ?" Prada suddenly inquired.
Santobono did not even start.