"Pietro got it for me. It is strong enough to hold ten men."
His foot was in the loop, and he slung himself from his balcony, holding the rope with both hands.
"Let it go very gently," he said. "I will tell you when you have lowered enough."
Holding the end of the rope firmly, the girl let it out inch by inch.
"That is enough," the Prince said at last; and she held him where he was, leaning over the balcony towards him.
"Prince Padema," she said to him.
"Ah!" cried the man with a start. "How did you learn my name?"
"I have long known it. It is a name of sorrow to our family.
"Prince," she continued, "have you never seen anything in my face that brought recollection to you? Or is your memory so short that the grief you bring to others leaves no trace on your own mind?"
"God!" cried the Prince in alarm, seizing the rope above him as if to climb back. "What do you mean?"