"The park was very extensive, and enclosed by a high wall, which had light iron gratings placed here and there, to afford a view of the surrounding country. I happened to be standing near one of these gratings, when M. Beaumanoir fired at a pheasant. "'_Signore_,' said a countryman, who was passing, '_questo castello e il castello d'Anticoli?_' "'Villager,' I replied, walking towards the grating, 'I do not understand Italian; speak French, and I shall be happy to answer.' "'What! Is it you, M. Louet?' exclaimed the peasant. "'Yes, it is,' said I; 'but how do you know my name?' "'Hush! I am Ernest, the hussar officer, your travelling companion.' "'M. Ernest! Ah! Mademoiselle Zephyrine will be delighted.' "'Zephyrine is really here, then?' "'Certainly she is. A prisoner like myself.' "'And Count Villaforte?' "'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. "The change was effected; but no more peasants appeared. "When we returned to the house, the captain and Zephyrine had not yet come back from their ride, and I amused myself in my room with my bass, which I found to be an excellent instrument. I resolved, more than ever, not to part with it, but to take it back to France with me, if ever I returned to that country. "At the hour of dinner, I repaired to the drawing-room, where I found Count Villaforte and Mademoiselle Zephyrine. I had scarcely closed the door, when it was reopened, and the lieutenant put in his head. "'Captain!' said he, in a hurried voice. "'Who calls me captain? Here there is no captain, my dear Beaumanoir, but a Count Villaforte.' "'Captain, it is a serious matter. One moment, I beg.' "The captain left the room. When the door was shut, and I was sure he could not hear me, I told Zephyrine of my interview with her lover. I had just finished when the captain reappeared. "'Well,' said Zephyrine, running to meet him. 'What makes you look so blank? Are there bad news?' "'Not very good ones.' "'Do they come from a sure source?' asked she with an anxiety which this time was not assumed. "'From the surest possible. From one of our friends who is employed in the police.' "'Gracious Heaven! What is going to happen?'