SENOR LUIGI and his servant Antonio had traveled many miles over a wild part of Corsica, and now stood before a large gloomy cave. Within, in the flickering torch light, could be seen six men around a rustic table, each with a dagger before him. They were expecting Luigi, and he sank into an empty chair. Then he arose, and in a voice tense with emotion, he said: “Sirs, relations and comrades, we are here for the purpose of adhering to our ancient custom of executing the vendetta [or revenge]; in other words, to avenge the death of my brother Enrico. Mine shall be the hand, and only mine, to slay that one who took my brother’s life.”
The ardent youth knew no sin in his mad search for revenge, for he had no knowledge of the gospel or forgiveness, but only felt he was fulfilling his duty in seeking the death of Carlos Riccardo, who in a fit of jealousy had killed his brother.
The company soon broke up, and Luigi and Antonio pressed on their way into the depths of the forest.
After some hours Antonio said, “A storm is coming, senor.”
“Yes,” replied Luigi, “let us seek the shelter of this shepherd’s hut.” The two shepherds warmly welcomed them, and shut the door against the wind and rain.
Presently the younger shepherd asked suddenly, “Did you hear a voice just then?” Scarcely had he spoken when the door of the hut opened, and there at the entrance stood Carlos Riccardo, the very man whom they sought.
For one brief moment the two men faced one another, but as Luigi seized his rifle, Carlos turned and fled, losing himself quickly in the brushwood. Luigi sought him in vain.
When morning dawned, Luigi and Antonio continued their search, questioning all whom they met, until they heard that someone like Carlos had gone to Italy. So they set out for Naples.
Here they found lodgings with Senor Loporelli whose wife was an English lady and a true Christian. For the first time Luigi learned something of the love of Christ, and His atoning work on the cross.
During their stay there Luigi became ill, and for many days he lay prostrate with a fever. Madam Loporelli nursed him carefully and took every opportunity of telling him of her Saviour, till at last something of the truth began to dawn upon his soul.
“If all you tell me is true,” he said, “I am the greatest sinner in the whole world.”
“Then it is just for you that the Saviour died,” she said. “Just believe that God is able to save to the uttermost; there is redemption for you through the blood of His Son.”
“But it is all dark, and I can’t understand.”
“Leave your debt of sin with Christ,” said his hostess, “and take Him as your Redeemer. He will receive you.”
Thus she talked with him day by day. Her sympathy finally drew out all Luigi’s story, even to the fact that he was seeking to kill Carlos. He told her he could never return home until he could say, “I have avenged my brother’s death.”
“Ah,” said Madam, her eyes brimming with tears, “The Lord has been good to hold you back from such wickedness,” and she pleaded with him to forgive his enemy. It seemed useless, but the Holy Spirit was quietly doing His work. One day after a solemn talk, great was her joy when Luigi put out his hand to her, saying, “From this moment, I dedicate my life to the blessed Saviour about whom you have told me,” and with true Italian impulse threw from him the idols he had treasured so long. The next thing was, Antonio was told that then search for Carlos would be discontinued, as he was now forgiven, and for the first time Antonio thought his master was a coward.
One morning Madam asked Luigi if he would come with her to the hospital that day, and they were soon on their way. Madam moved quietly among the patients, leaving gifts and flowers behind her, then she asked the nurse, “How is Carlos today?” Madam Loporelli was talking to a poor fellow bandaged almost beyond recognition, and one look at the bruised face was enough for Luigi — he instantly recognized Carlos Riccardo!
Madam saw it, and quietly whispered, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” but her reminder was hardly needed.
Stepping close to the bed, Luigi said softly to the frightened man, “Fear not, Carlos Riccardo, I pardon and forgive you, as God has pardoned and forgiven me.”
Carlos could hardly believe the words, but as the truth broke in upon him, the bitter tears of remorse flowed unchecked, as the sad wail burst from his lips, “God have mercy on me, too.”
The time came when Luigi must return home. “I bless the day that I entered Naples,” he exclaimed as he parted with his new friends. “The Lord help me to be faithful to what you have taught me.”
A few days later Luigi and Antonio arrived at their native village, At the very same cave where we first met him, we leave him. A white banner, with the words imprinted on it, “Vengeance is Mine,” hangs there, and there are no daggers on the table. But instead, a little group of Luigi’s friends meet there, with Bibles open before them, while he seeks to lead them to the Saviour.
ML-09/20/1964