"Why, I saw them myself, crossing this way from the wood yonder," said Paulo.
"And there is nothing to shelter them from our view between the wood, and this cottage, friend," added Vivaldi; "What can they have done with themselves?"
"For that matter, gone into the wood again, perhaps," said the shepherd.
Paulo gave his master a significant look, and added, "It is likely enough, friend; and you may depend upon it they are lurking there for no good purpose. You will do well to send somebody to look after them; your flocks will suffer for it, else. Depend upon it, they design no good."
"We are not used to such sort of folks in these parts," replied the shepherd, "but if they mean any harm, they shall find we can help ourselves." As he concluded, he took down a horn from the roof and blew a shrill blast that made the mountains echo; when immediately the younger shepherds were seen running from various quarters towards the cottage.
"Do not be alarmed, friend;" said Vivaldi, "these travellers mean you no harm, I daresay, whatever they may design against us. But, as I think them suspicious persons, and should not like to overtake them on the road, I will reward one of your lads if you will let him go a little ways towards Celano, and examine whether they are lurking on that route."
The old man consented, and, when the shepherds came up, one of them received directions from Vivaldi.
"And be sure you do not return, till you have found them," added Paulo.
"No master," replied the lad, "and I will bring them safe here, you may trust me."
"If you do, friend, you will get your head broke for your trouble. You are only to discover where they are, and to watch where they go," said Paulo.