"Yes; but the galleys?"
"We have saved your head. More we cannot do at present. Have patience."
The court officials coming up to take the prisoner interrupted the conversation. Benedetto was placed in a coach and driven to Bicetre. He was placed in a filthy jail, and then left to himself. He had not been long there when he felt a hand touch him and a voice whisper close to his ear.
"You are in luck, comrade," said the unknown. "Some rich lady is interested in you. You don't remember me, perhaps. 'Twas I who brought you that note two months ago. I got two gold pieces for doing so."
"Who was the lady, and how did you get here?"
"I don't know who she is, but she appears to be over forty. As for me, I am a priest, and committed wrong—"
At this moment the door was opened, and a voice called:
"Benedetto! Benedetto!"
Benedetto arose, and peering through the grated cell-door saw a woman.