The note of warning partially calmed the tumult of Bellarion's heart, which was thudding in his throat as if to suffocate him.
As quietly as it had been opened the door was closed again, a thin and partially translucent mantle was pulled from the lantern it had been muffling, and the light beating through the horn panes was reflected from the floor and walls upon the lean, aquiline features of Count Spigno.
Bellarion uttered something that sounded like a chuckle.
'I was expecting you,' said he.
CHAPTER XII
COUNT SPIGNO
Spigno set the lantern on the floor, and came forward. 'No need to talk,' he muttered. 'Roll over so that I can free your hands.' He drew his dagger and with it cut Bellarion's bonds.
'Take off your shoes. Make haste.'
Bellarion squatted upon his bedding, and with blundering fingers, still numb from the thong, he removed his footgear. His wits worked briskly, and it was not at all upon the subject of his escape that they were busy. Despite his late resolves, and although still far from being out of peril, with the chance of salvation no more than in sight, he was already at his knight-errantry again.
He stood up at last, and Spigno was whispering urgently.