"You will have them—but there is an Italian proverb, Chi va piano, va sano! e chi va sano, va lontano. I told you the fruit was not yet ripe. I think, however, the time is approaching to gather it, and in a month I will—"
"But," said H...., "does not this delay endanger all? May they not act, while we pause?"
"Do you wish to know by your own observation who are the conspirators?" said the stranger.
"I do," said H....
"Do you wish to see—to hear them?"
"Yes, and to arrest them."
"Not yet—it is too soon. While your fowlers entrapped a few fledgelings the rest of the covey would escape."
"How can I see and hear them?"
"I alone can enable you to do so, or rather not I, but the person whose agent I am."
"And when?" said M. H...., impatiently.