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"Poh!" said the other, "these fainting fits are common to women;

they don't die in this way."

"Hush," said Nibbio, "be attentive to your duty, and do not

meddle with other affairs. Keep your muskets ready, because this

wood we are entering is a nest for robbers. Don't keep them in

your hands-the devil! put them behind you. Do you not see that

this girl is a tender chicken, who faints at nothing? If she sees

that you have arms, she may die in reality. When she comes to her

senses, be careful not to frighten her. Touch her not, unless I

tell you to do so. I can hold her. Keep quiet, and let me talk to

her."