Lucia did not wait to argue. She caught him under his arms and dragged
him back to the convent as fast as she could.

Roderigo had given up all hope, but as they drew nearer to the door of
the convent, the wish to live asserted itself, and he got to his feet
and ran with Lucia. They did not stop until they were safe on the road
beyond. The last inhabitant of Cellino was out of sight, and it seemed
as if they were alone.

They waited, Lucia supporting Roderigo's head in her arms.

The explosion came, there was a crash, and then a great shaking of the
earth. Lucia listened, her eyes flashing.

"Wait here," she said to Roderigo, "I will return at once." She ran
hurriedly back to the convent and down again to the door.

The old bridge was ruined. Great pieces of it were torn out and had
fallen high on the banks. The center span was entirely gone, and the
river, broad and impassable, ran smoothly between the jagged ends.

Lucia did not stand long in contemplation of the scene before her. She
hurried back to the road. A sister was beside Roderigo, and Lucia went
to her.

"It is not safe back in there," she said, pointing to the convent. "A
shell may hit it."

The sister nodded.