"The carabinieri? Yes." But he swore under his breath, as he understood the drift of her inquiry.
"I shall ask them to hold you."
"But I have done nothing."
"Not yet, but you will attempt to follow me."
"Begin," he said, with a banter.
"What's the row, Jack?" Merrihew called out impatiently. Why didn't they talk in a language a fellow could understand?
"Stay where you are, Dan." To Bettina, Hillard repeated: "Begin."
She dusted her hands of the corn and walked resolutely toward the carabinieri. Hillard, equally resolute, followed, but with a roving eye which took in all things ostensibly save Bettina. He had a plan by which he proposed to circumvent any interference by the guardians. And Bettina aided him, for she never turned her head till she stood at the side of the carabinieri.
"Signori, this man is following me," she said. Hillard came on and would have passed, but they stopped him.
"You are following the signorina," said one.