Thus encouraged, I left her, and went back to my dressing-room to complete my attire. This done I descended to the hall to endeavour to obtain a gondola. Good fortune favoured me, for the American party who had but lately arrived at the hotel, had just returned from the theatre. I engaged the man who had brought them, and told him to take me to the Palace Revecce with all possible speed.
"It's a late hour, Senor," he replied, "and I'd rather go anywhere than to that house in the Rio del Consiglio."
"You will be well paid for your trouble and also for your fear," I replied as I got into the boat.
Next moment we were on our way. A light was burning in Nikola's room as we drew up at the palace steps. I bade the gondolier wait for me, and to ensure his doing so, refused to pay him until my return. Then I rang the bell, and was rewarded in a few minutes by hearing Nikola's footsteps on the flag-stones of the courtyard. When the door opened he was vastly surprised at seeing me; he soon recovered his equilibrium, however. It took more than a small surprise to upset Nikola. He invited me to enter.
"I hope there is nothing wrong," he said politely. "Otherwise how am I to account for this late call?"
"Something is very wrong indeed," I said. "I have come to consult you, and to ask for your assistance."
By this time he had reached his own room—that horrible room I remembered so well.
"The fact of the matter is," I said, seating myself in the chair he offered me as I spoke, "the Duke of Glenbarth and Don de Martinos have arranged to fight a duel soon after daybreak."
"To fight a duel?" Nikola repeated. "So it has come to this, has it? Well, what do you want me to do?"
"Surely it is needless for me to say," I replied. "I want you to help me to stop it. You like the Duke, I know. Surely you will not allow that brave young life to be sacrificed by that Spaniard?"