To Lady Dalrymple's statement and question Girasole listened attentively. As she concluded a faint smile passed over his face. The Baron watched him attentively.
"I know no brigand on dissa road," said he.
Lady Dalrymple looked triumphantly at the others.
"I have travail dissa road many time. No dangaire—alla safe."
Another smile from Lady Dalrymple.
The Count Girasole looked at Hawbury and then at the Baron, with a slight dash of mockery in his face.
"As for dangaire," he said—"pouf! dere is none. See, I go alone—no arms, not a knife—an' yet gold in my porte-monnaie."
And he drew forth his porte-monnaie, and opened it so as to exhibit its contents.
A little further conversation followed. Girasole evidently was perfectly familiar with the road. The idea of brigands appeared to strike him as some exquisite piece of pleasantry. He looked as though it was only his respect for the company which prevented him from laughing outright. They had taken the trouble to summon him for that! And, besides, as the Count suggested, even if a brigand did appear, there would be always travelers within hearing.
Both Hawbury and the Baron felt humiliated, especially the latter; and Girasole certainly had the best of it on that occasion, whatever his lot had been at other times.