My reverie was again broken by a tap on the shoulder.
“Am I right? What is the pass-word?”
“Milano!” replied I, in a whisper.
“All’s right, then—Giacomo and Tomaso are close by—I will fetch them.”
The man turned away, and in a minute re-appeared with two others, bending as they forced their way under the orange-trees.
“Here we all are, Felippo,” whispered the first. “He is to be here in a few minutes.”
“Hush!” replied I, in a whisper, and holding up to them the brilliant ring which sparkled on my finger.
“Ah, Signor, I cry your mercy,” replied the man, in a low voice; “I thought it was Felippo.”
“Not so loud,” replied I, still in a whisper. “All is discovered, and Felippo is arrested. You must away immediately. You shall hear from me to-morrow.”
“Corpo di Bacco! Where, Signor? at the old place?”