Mastino della Scala, as he led the way back to the castle, trembled, almost with awe. It was a sign from heaven.
As they gained the chamber, and Ligozzi closed the door, Tomaso burst out into his tale, half-crazy with delight.
"It seems you have success," said Mastino quietly.
But he seated himself at the extemporized table, and with his hand shaded his face; it was almost more than he could bear.
"The passage leads into Milan," said Ligozzi breathlessly. "It is large enough to admit an army, and opens into the house of one who is our friend. That, my lord, is why we have been so long. The good fortune is miraculous, for we were brought out into the house of a man mad against Visconti, and thinking of nothing but revenge. He alone knows of this passage, and through it will admit your men."
"Ah!" Mastino drew a deep breath and raised his eyes. "God hath heard me, Ligozzi."
"It was true," cried Ligozzi. "Oh, lord, he was indeed here. Only this morning he re-entered Milan, Carrara's army behind him; returned in time to stay his sister, who loathes her enforced marriage, and—and——" he suddenly faltered in his recital as Tomaso laid his hand upon his shoulder.
Mastino looked at them keenly.
"And what?" he asked.
"I was going to say, lord, that in his absence, Valentine Visconti, trying to escape, was recaptured by the Duke himself in this Agnolo's house."