"The road does lead to the bridge, then Signor!" said Paulo dolourously. "And see! there they are again; winding round that rock, and coming towards us."
"Hush! they are pilgrims," whispered Vivaldi, "we will linger under the shade of these rocks, while they pass. Remember, Paulo, that a single indiscreet word may be fatal; and that if they hail us, I alone am to answer."
"You are obeyed, Signor."
The fugitives drew up close under the cliffs, and proceeded slowly, while the words of the devotees, as they advanced became audible.
"It gives one some comfort," said Paulo, "to hear cheerful voices, in such a place as this. Bless their merry hearts! theirs seems a pilgrimage of pleasure; but they will be demure enough, I warrant, by and bye. I wish I"——
"Paulo! have you so soon forgot?" said Vivaldi sharply.
The devotees, on perceiving the travellers, became suddenly silent; till he who appeared to be the Father-director, as they passed, said, "Hail! in the name of Our Lady of Mount Carmel!" and they repeated the salutation in chorus.
"Hail!" replied Vivaldi, "the first mass is over," and he passed on.
"But if you make haste, you may come in for the second," said Paulo, joking after.
"You have just left the shrine, then?" said one of the party, "and can tell us"—