“I shall be busy for a while,” said Cromillian, “but I will soon send for you and hear your report on what has taken place during the three days I have been away. After that, you may go.”
As Paoli was walking away, Cromillian cried:
“Ah, Paoli, by mistake, I left something at the Widow Nafilet’s. Send Borteno here. Since he lost his thumb and forefinger in that last scrimmage with the gens d’armes his fighting days are over, for he cannot pull a trigger; but he will make a good messenger, for his legs are sturdy and he can keep a secret.”
Borteno soon appeared.
“Tell Londora and Fabria that I wish to see them.”
In a short time Borteno returned, accompanied by the two men.
The arbour used by Cromillian for what might be called his private office, ended at the base of a high hill, being, in reality, a cul-de-sac.
“Go to the farther end of the arbour,” said Cromillian to Borteno. “I wish to speak to you.”
After he had gone, Cromillian said in an undertone to the two men:
“If any one attempts to leave the arbour before I do, shoot him down.”