He knew the private sally-port. The varlet there on duty had long since yawned and gone off to play cards with his mates. The stable grooms were sampling the liquor at the village trattoría; and saddled and bridled stood my four best horses; “two to ride and two to lead and relay, and I have thrown the bits and buckles for all the others down the well,” chuckled my admirable mentor, tightening the girths; “there will be enough cursing to cancel a great indulgence before they can harness for any pursuit.” “And my jewels and papers?” I asked. “So far as portable they are in the saddle bags, Eccellenza. The Cardinal just lacked the courage to seize them. And now if the Conte will deign to mount.” “Bravo!” I cried, almost aloud, “I will no longer name you Andrea, but Ulysses.” “The Conte will graciously keep his voice lower until we are well clear of the palazzo. Then he can venture upon such gracious compliments as he may desire.” Thus admonished, I suffered Andrea to lead our two horses well down the stony slope and by a road behind the straggling village. It was about midnight. No shout of alarm was rising from the mass of the palace looming now above us. The lights at the windows were growing fewer. I could still catch the dim vibration of the music, presumably for the last dance. It would be dawn, and an hour or more past it before Eugenio would think of venturing to inquire of his high-born captive “if he had slept well”; an hour more or longer before Forli could organize an effective pursuit. All the dice had fallen in our favor. “Andrea,” I said, “give me your hand. You have not been my servant, but my friend. Ask what you will of me.” The fellow pressed my own hand to his lips. “Eccellenza, you are going to Germany?” “Certainly.” “And you are very likely to remain there always?” “Very likely.” “Well, then, Eccellenza, promise that however much you may learn to love that dreadful North, however much you may desire to have those swinish Saxon louts around you, I may be ever your first valet.” I thrust my hand into his, and squeezed hard. “Andrea,” I said, and my throat choked a little, “you shall go with me, though I sail to the Western Isles like another Ammiraglio Colombo.” I was winking fast while he climbed up into his saddle. “I thank the Conte,” he observed quietly. “And now, Eccellenza, let us ride.” The touch of the night air had kindled my spirits. They rose too at the thought that I was leaving Palaestro and its garden of evil delights. The good horse under me responded to my spur. I felt the wind rush past my hot cheek, I saw the stars ahead of me, and clearest of all the North Star; and the road led straight towards it. Swift as light we seemed to fly. Come weal, or woe, come victory or disaster, I knew that a great milestone in my life had been past. Other things might fail me. I had not utterly failed myself. * * * * *