The frightened wretch stole forward a step.
'Messer! I thought you——'
'Never mind,' interrupted the other impatiently. 'Answer me.'
'Quite alone.'
'Humph! I thought you loved the dark less.'
'I—I was about to light the tapers; I swear I was. Wait only one moment, Messer.'
'Stop. No need. The night's the better confidant. Come here.'
Trembling all through, Tassino obeyed. A smooth hand groped, and fastening on his wrist, pressed a hard, round object into his palm. He had much ado not to shriek out.
'What's this?' he gasped.
'Be silent. Have you got it? Put it where it's secure. Well?'