"By another strange chance he lives here, too. What do you want with him?"
"Is he abroad yet?"
"Aye, he never sleeps at all."
"I live too nigh the city for fairy-tales," said the boy. "Will you bring me to this same Stefan? I have a message for him."
"Don't bawl it, lad, whisper. He's of a delicate constitution, this
Stefan—I know, for I am he."
The boy looked doubtful for a moment.
"Is that truth?"
"I like your caution," Stefan returned. "You'll succeed, whether you deal with men or women, though the women will bring out all your mettle, I warrant. Yes, truth, I am Stefan."
"I was to give this paper to you."
The soldier opened it and read it, not without some difficulty, it seemed.