CHAPTER NINE THE RETURN OF THE DEAD
Gripping Vittore's hand, Tomaso looked cautiously up and down the road.
Crouching back in among the wayside trees, they commanded unseen a view of any who might come or go; and though the days faded fast, it was still light enough to see many paces off.
"No soldiery about to-night," whispered Tomaso; "they have ridden farther afield. We will go back, Vittore."
They had turned to retrace their steps when Vittore clutched his cousin's hand yet tighter, and suppressed an exclamation.
"Look!" he whispered, "a horseman coming toward Milan."
Tomaso looked round nervously, and saw a single rider approaching swiftly, but casting searching glances around.
As the boys watched, mistrustfully waiting, still in hiding, to see him safely pass, to their dismay he slackened pace, and finally drew rein altogether and looked eagerly in their direction.