"The carnival at Rome. When I left Rome I went to the Lake of Como. I want to tell you of a night there—and of nights and days later, elsewhere—"
"Come within, as we used to do, and talk the heart out."
They went back to the fire. It played and sang. The minutes, poignant, full, went by.
"So at last prison and scaffold risks ceased to count. I took what disguise I could and came."
"All at Black Hill know?"
"Yes. But they are not betrayers. I do not show myself and am not called by my name. I am Señor Nobody."
"Señor Nobody."
"When I broke Edinburgh gaol I fled to France through Spain. There in the mountains I fell among brigands. I had to find ransom. Señor Nobody provided it. I never saw him nor do I know his name.... Alexander!"
"Aye."
"Was it you?"