"He did. Ah, sir! the Padrone was too proud to ask you to explain more--too proud to show fear of another. But he does fear--he ought to fear--he shall fear," (continued Jackeymo, working himself up to passion)--"for the Padrone has a daughter, and his enemy is a villain. Oh, sir, tell me all that you did not tell to the Padrone. You hinted that this man might wish to marry the Signora. Marry her!--I could cut his throat at the altar!" "Indeed," said Randal; "I believe that such is his object." "But why? He is rich--she is penniless; no, not quite that, for we have saved--but penniless, compared to him." "My good friend, I know not yet his motives; but I can easily learn them. If, however, this Count be your master's enemy, it is surely well to guard against him, whatever his designs; and, to do so, you should move into London or its neighbourhood. I fear that, while we speak, the Count may get upon his track." "He had better not come here!" cried the servant menacingly, and putting his hand where the knife was _not_. "Beware of your own anger, Giacomo. One act of violence, and you would be transported from England, and your master would lose a friend." Jackeymo seemed struck by this caution. "And if the Padrone were to meet him, do you think the Padrone would meekly say, 'Come stà sa Signoria?' The Padrone would strike him dead!" "Hush--hush! You speak of what, in England, is called murder, and is punished by the gallows. If you really love your master, for heaven's sake get him from this place--get him from all chance of such passion and peril. I go to town to-morrow; I will find him a house that shall be safe from all spies--all discovery. And there, too, my friend, I can do--what I cannot at this distance--watch over him, and keep watch also on his enemy." Jackeymo seized Randal's hand and lifted it towards his lip; then, as if struck by a sudden suspicion, dropped the hand, and said bluntly--"Signior, I think you have seen the Padrone twice. Why do you take this interest in him?" "Is it so uncommon to take interest even in a stranger who is menaced by some peril?" Jackeymo, who believed little in general philanthropy, shook his head sceptically. "Besides," continued Randal, suddenly bethinking himself of a more plausible reason--"besides, I am a friend and connection of Mr Egerton; and Mr Egerton's most intimate friend is Lord L'Estrange; and I have heard that Lord L'Estrange--" "The good lord! Oh, now I understand," interrupted Jackeymo, and his brow cleared. "Ah, if _he_ were in England! But you will let us know when he comes?" "Certainly. Now, tell me, Giacomo, is this Count really unprincipled and dangerous? Remember, I know him not personally." "He has neither heart, head, nor conscience." "That makes him dangerous to men; but to women, danger comes from other qualities. Could it be possible, if he obtained any interview with the Signora, that he could win her affections?"