At last the authorities were so much disturbed by the reports of the failing health of prisoners so constantly isolated, that they were moved to associate them in couples in the same cell. Silvio Pellico, to his intense delight, was given Maroncelli as his companion. He was so much overjoyed by the news that at first he fainted away, and after he had regained consciousness he again fainted at seeing how the ravages of imprisonment with its attendant dejection, starvation and poisonous air had told on his friend. The two continued together for the years that remained to be served; years of suffering, for both were continually ill, Maroncelli lost his leg, and both were attacked with persistent scurvy. They waited together for the long delayed day of release, which in the case of Pellico was greatly prolonged beyond the promised termination of seven and a half years. In the end he served fully ten years, but was finally released in 1830. The order reached him quite unexpectedly one Sunday morning immediately after mass, when he had regained his cell for dinner. They were eating their first mouthfuls when the governor entered, apologised for his appearance, and led them off, Pellico and Maroncelli, for an interview with the director of police. They went with a very bad grace, for this official never came but to give trouble and they expected nothing better. The director was slow of speech and long hesitated to impart the joyful news that His Majesty the emperor had been mercifully disposed toward them and had set them both free. CHAPTER X BRIGANDAGE AND CRIME IN AUSTRIA-HUNGARY Brigandage a great scourge in Eastern Europe--The Hungarian brigand a popular hero--The “poor fellows” and the “betyars” or brigands on a large scale--Their methods and appearance--Generous to the poor; fierce and revengeful to the rich--A countess who danced at a brigands’ ball--The Jews who were crucified and tortured--Famous brigand chiefs--Sobry--Some of his extraordinary feats--Mylfait and Pap--The criminal woman in Austria-Hungary--Remarkable rogues--Weininger--The black pearl from the British Crown jewels--Capital punishment--The execution of Hackler in Vienna--His brutal crime.