"'Is Captain Tonino.'
"'And the castle?'
"'A den of thieves.'
"'That is all I wanted to know. Adieu, my dear Louet. Tell Zephyrine she shall soon hear from me.' So saying, he plunged into the forest.
"'Here, Romeo, here!' cried Mr. Beaumanoir to his dog, who was fetching the bird he had shot. I hastened to him.
"'A beautiful pheasant!' cried I. 'A fine cock!'
"'Yes, yes. Who were you talking to, M. Louet?'
"'To a peasant, who asked me some question, to which I replied, that unfortunately I did not understand Italian.'
"'Hum!' said Beaumanoir, with a suspicious side-glance at me. Then, having loaded his gun, 'We will change places, if you please,' said he. 'There may be some more peasants passing, and, as I understand Italian, I shall be able to answer their questions.'
"'As you like, M. Beaumanoir,' said I.