I will occupy
myself in cursing you while you are gone."
"You are very kind," said Gouache, with a laugh. "May I offer you
a cigarette and a little brandy?"
The stranger looked up in some astonishment as he heard Gouache's
voice, and took the proffered flask in silence, as well as a
couple of cigarettes from the case.
"Thank you," he said after a pause. "I will not curse you quite as
heartily as I meant to do. You are very civil."
"Do not mention it," replied Gouache. "I wish you a very good-
morning, and I hope to have the pleasure of your company at dinner
to-night."
Thereupon the Zouave shouldered his rifle and trotted off down the
hill. The whole incident had not occupied more than three minutes
and his comrades were not far off, pursuing the Garibaldians in
the direction of a large farmhouse, which afforded the prospect of
shelter and the means of defence. Half a dozen killed and wounded
remained upon the hill besides Gouache's prisoner.
The Vigna di Santucci, as the farmhouse was called, was a strong
building surrounded by walls and fences. A large number of the
enemy had fallen back upon this point and it now became evident
that they meant to make a determined resistance. As the Zouaves
came up, led by Charette in person, the Reds opened a heavy fire
upon their advancing ranks.
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