Then he set forth how, since Bayliss had taken his orders, there had elapsed full time for each one of the pickets to reach its post, though perhaps not yet for regular contact to have been established by the patrols betwixt point and point. But the Señorita must be waked at once and take the road with Dicco, moving towards the best, or weakest, bars of the cage; for, though the net was spread, the great spider himself was not yet amove down its spokes and round the felloe.
"Come soon," said Pépe, "and I will set you in the best way, and then back to send the Spider on the worst."
And under his soft, dog's eyes Pépe for the first time showed white, smiling teeth.
"Amigo de grillos," said Dick, in the voice which Pépe knew so well, but had never before heard unsteady, "she has not slept an hour since I thought her mind astray."
Then Pépe, fumbling at an inner pocket, spoke swiftly what wisdom was in him.
"Dicco must get gaiters, rough trousers, and a hat. La señorita must change the Dutchwoman's skirt for whatever this old dame can furnish. When I leave you, feed her always, a little at a time. Talk, make love, make laugh."
"And if the strength fail altogether?" asked Dick, for a moment humble before this wizened wisdom.
"Better the spur and the whip than the wolves should eat the mare," answered Pépe. And he drew a little box from his pocket. "It is the leaves," he said. "They are not evil like the drugs of shops and cities. If she flag and is without strength by the way, let her chew a little, whilst you fill her mind with other thoughts. Then will she endure till Dicco wins."
Dick turned to Mrs. Brundage, and, to her relief, spoke at last in English.
"Madam," he said, "the Marquis and his myrmidons must be hoodwinked. Talking of hoods and winking suggests a sun-bonnet——"