'Whither art going, child?'
'To call the guard. The captain of justice passes at this hour.'
'No, no. If they catch you they will kill you without a word spoken.'
'They shall not see me. I will get over the wall, through Aunt Trulla's garden, over the green ditch into the backyard. 'Tis as good as done! Likewise it were better they killed me than you, Master.'
And glancing back with eyes full of love and daring, the lad leaped from the window, and was off like a flash.
'For once the little devil is some use,' said Maturina shaking her head.
A stone came crashing through the window, and shrieking and wringing her hands, the fat woman fled, felt her way down the dark stairs to the cellar, and hid in a wine-cask. Marco hurried upstairs to bar the windows; Giovanni, pale, distressed, but indifferent to the peril, turned a woeful countenance to Leonardo, and fell at his feet.
'O Master, they say——I swear it is not true—nay, I believe it not—but for God's sake tell me yourself——!' and he stopped short, panting with agitation. Leonardo smiled sadly.
'You fear they speak truth that I am a murderer?'
'A word, master! a single word from your own lips!'