The torch-flame etched clearly the hooded, muffled figure. Of face and hair there was not a sign. Betrayed once before in this wise, he could scarce trust his ears, scarce dared to credit his tingling senses. "You--Edith----" "Yes, it is I, Hugh." "Who is with you?" She turned and the light of the torch fell upon the figure of the man behind her who upheld it. "Ranulphio!" cried Hugh. "Then they have----" He leaped with hands outstretched, furious, intent to kill. But Edith forced him back. Her hood fell off in the struggle, and her golden hair, gleaming in the scanty light, was tangled in his hands. Perforce he hesitated. "Hugh, are you mad?" she panted. "Do you not know him?" "Who?" rasped Hugh. She nodded behind her. "Nay, I----" Ranulphio stepped forward, a broad smile on his bearded face. "'Twas well played, old comrade," he said. "Ha, to think that I have fooled you! 'Twas more than I expected." The voice was the voice of Matteo. But still Hugh could not believe. "Who is he?" he appealed to Edith. "'Tis Messer Matteo in marvellous disguise. Ay, in sooth, Hugh. Doubt him not." Hugh drew one hand across his eye. "Father," he called abruptly. "Fair lord, art here?" "I am here, Hugh." "Do you see two figures as I see them?" questioned Hugh. "I see them, fair son." "Then am I sane. But----" "There is no time for buts, Hugh," Matteo interrupted. "Hell bubbles overhead. Comnenus tries his skill once more at overturning a throne. In the confusion we dared to descend here, but if you are to escape we must hurry. There is no time to lose." "Do you order us. We will obey. But how knew you where to find me?" "Anon, comrade. For the nonce we have much to do. Follow me." He led them out into the passageway, sweeping his torch overhead to light them, and barred the door of the empty dungeon. Then they traversed the corridors Hugh remembered on the lower level, until they came to a point where the passage divided. Here lay one of the black guards, stabbed to death. "We have left a trail of blood," said Matteo with grim satisfaction over his shoulder. "The maid held the torch; I swung the knife. 'Tis a fit ending for such dogs. I would their master might have come within my ken." "Where is he?" asked Hugh. "He lurks above. Comnenus employs him with Mocenigo to do his killing. Old Isaac, they say, hath died of sheer fright. Alexius is seized and by now blinded or dead. In the Palace--all through the city--the contending parties riot over who shall be Emperor. But Comnenus and that tigress daughter of his pull the strings." All this time Edith had been silent, walking at Hugh's side, betwixt him and Sir James. Now Hugh turned to her again. "How come you hither?"