Page:The Italian - Radcliffe, volume 1 (1797).djvu/6

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ap­peared upon the steps, passing towards a confessional on the left, and, as he entered it, one of the party pointed him out to the friar, and enquired who he was; the friar turning to look after him, did not immedi­ately reply, but, on the question being repeated, he inclined his head, as in a kind of obeisance, and calm­ly replied, "He is an assassin."

"An assassin!" exclaimed one of the Englishmen; "an assassin, and at liberty!"

An Italian gentleman, who was of the party, smil­ed at the astonishment of his friend.

"He has sought sanctuary here," replied the fri­ar; "within these walls he may not be hurt."

"Do your altars, then, protect the murderer?" said the Englishman.

"He could find shelter no where else," answered the friar meekly.

"This is astonishing!" said the Englishman, "of what avail are your laws,if

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