‘I thought you knew,’ he said. ‘So you didn’t know? How could you have known? I was afraid of you, I thought you read it in my eyes. One night, in your house, you said to me, “It could have been you who killed Basile Ledda.” I was frightened that evening. Then another day, Assumption Day, here in this house you called me a murderer. It was only a joke, but I was afraid of you. When I suggested you married my sister I was serious about it. I wanted to tie you to me.’

‘Jesus Christ. Oh, Jesus Christ,’ moaned the widow.

‘You’re afraid, eh?’ said Giacobbe. ‘Why did I do it, you ask? Well, because I hated that man. He beat me. He owed me money. But when they convicted Costantino I thought I would die. Why didn’t I confess then? That’s what you’re saying. It’s easier said than done. Costantino is a good lad. I will die before him. I’ll confess all. What Giovanna Era did put a hundred years on me. What will Costantino say when he comes back? What’ll he say?’ he repeated in a subdued voice as if interrogating himself. ‘What shall we do now?’

Anna-Rosa sighed. She felt as if she were caught in a terrible dream, but not for one instant did she think of hiding what her brother had revealed. Two equally dreadful possibilities awaited her. Either Giacobbe would die or he would be convicted. She did not know which would hurt her more grievously.

‘Let’s go to sleep now. Tomorrow we’ll decide what to do,’ said Isidoro. Again he patted the sick man’s cheek. Giacobbe lay down and, raising his good hand, began to count on his fingers. ‘Father Elias, one. Then the mayor, then what’s-his-name – Brontu Dejas. Yes, yes. Him too. I want them here. I’ll confess to them.’

‘To Brontu Dejas?’ asked Isidoro, baffled.

‘Because they’ll believe him more than anyone. But first everyone must swear on the cross to let me die in peace. Will you do that for me?’

‘Of course. Calm down. And you, cousin, go back to bed. Lie down, go to sleep,’ said the fisherman in a gentle voice, adjusting the blankets round the sick man.

But Giacobbe shook his head restlessly. ‘I’m hot, I’m hot. Let me be. Why are you not surprised, Sidore? I went on working as a shepherd so as not to cause suspicion. But you knew. Yes, yes, you knew.’

‘I knew nothing, I tell you.’

‘Why aren’t you surprised then?’

‘Many things happen in this world, but they are only earthly things. Now, stay covered up and try to sleep.’