Turk was standing in the courtyard with a revolver in his hand. Lord Bob commanded him to put away the weapon and to “stow his bellicoseness.” Mere chance caused Turk to obey the command in full; half of it he did not understand. The voices outside the gate were much more subdued than his lordship expected, but he did not know that Prince Ugo had warily enjoined silence, fearing the flight of the prey.
“Who is there?” called Lord Bob, from the inside
“Are you Lord Saxondale?” demanded a guttural voice on the outside.
“I am. What is the meaning of this disturbance?”
“We are officers of the government, and we are looking for a person who is within your walls. Open the gate, my lord.”
“How am I to know you are officers of the law? You may be a pack of bandits. Come back to-morrow, my good friends.”
“I shall be compelled to break down your gate, sir,” came from without, gruffly.
“Don't do it. The first man who forces his way will get a bullet in his head. If you can give me some assurance that you are officers and not thieves, I may admit you.” Lord Bob was grinning broadly, much to the amazement of the servant who held the lantern. There were whispers on the outside.
“Prince Ravorelli is with us, my lord. Is he sufficient guarantee?” asked the hoarse voice.
“Is Giovanni Pavesi there, also?” asked Saxondale, loudly.