"Unsafe?"
"Yes; particularly for ladies."
"And why?"
"Why, ma'am, the country is in a disordered state, and near the boundary line it swarms with brigands. They call themselves Garibaldians, but between you and me, ma'am, they're neither more nor less than robbers. You see, along the boundary it is convenient for them to dodge to one side or the other, and where the road runs there are often crowds of them. Now our papal government means well, but it ain't got power to keep down these brigands. It would like to, but it can't. You see, the scum of all Italy gather along the borders, because they know we are weak; and so there it is."
"And you think there is danger on this road?" said Lady Dalrymple, looking keenly at him.
"I do, ma'am."
"Pray have you heard of any recent acts of violence along the road?"
"No, ma'am."
"Then what reason have you for supposing that there is any particular danger now?"
"A friend of mine told me so, ma'am."