The little foot struck the strand. "Why don't you answer? You heard my question?"
"I am sorry, my Lady—" Again he hesitated: "Le Seigneur Noir has been seen on the beach!"
"Le Seigneur Noir?" she repeated.
"Yes, my Lady. He was caught sight of among the peasants, at the time the barrels were opened, in accordance with your Ladyship's command. I assure your Ladyship," with growing eagerness, "there can be no mistake, as—"
"Who," interrupted my lady sharply, "is this Black Seigneur?"
Beppo's manner changed. "A man," he said solemnly, "his Excellency, the Governor, has long been most anxious to capture."
The girl's eyes flashed with impatience, and then she began to laugh. "Saw you ever, my Lords and Ladies, his equal for equivocation? You put to him the question direct, and he answers—"
The loud report of a carbine from the other side of the Mount, followed by a desultory volley, interrupted her. The laughter died on her lips; the color left her cheek.
"What—" The startled look in her eyes completed the sentence.
Beppo rubbed his hands softly. "His Excellency takes no chances!" he murmured.