Mateo Falcone

Its tightly focused narrative was well received and it has been called the original French short story.

[1][2] Mateo Falcone is a respected landlord and marksman who lives in a rugged part of Corsica frequented by fugitives.

In his absence, a wanted criminal named Gianetto happens by and, knowing Mateo's reputation, asks to hide in the house.

While Tiodoro enthusiastically tells Mateo how the man was captured, Gianetto denounces his house as that of a traitor.

Furious, Mateo waits for the soldiers to leave, then orders Fortunato to follow him into a nearby ravine.