"It has been truly the most wonderful day of my life."
"It indeed seems so,—it is the most extraordinary history I ever heard in my life,—it out-Herods all romances and novels. Faith, you were a bold fellow to risk your life amongst such ruffians."
"Had I not I should never have known all this; poor John, such an end,—and the other—"
"After all, you would have been happier in blissful ignorance, but you are sure it is not a tissue of lies?"
"Lies, oh, dear no, I have the proofs here," (producing a large packet of papers,) "besides, I saw enough to prove the truth of at least part; but we must not talk any longer to-night; to-morrow we will sift the whole to the bottom, and see what is to be done for our unfortunate friends; their remains must be decently interred if we can obtain them. I would we could trace Caroline Lennox, and he who took her away. We shall have enough to do, first here and then in England, for thither I must go; we shall have work for the Crown lawyers."
"I' faith I hardly like to go home through that horrid valley; what if they cut us up too?"
"No fears, I have a pass for all Italy; no brigand would harm us were he to see this paper."
The Earl produced a small paper, on which were inscribed some hieroglyphical marks, on which the Marquis looked with some interest.
"This is a queer country after all," he said, "but we are got to talking again. Good night, I shall be glad to sleep off my thoughts."
"And I too," said the Earl; "but sleep will not chase mine away. Good night, I must see how Ellen is."