“What sort of men are the soldiers of the guard?” “That we have not been able to find out yet; the Cricket has only just come to the place, and knows nothing about the other men.” “We must find out from Gino what the Cricket himself is like. Is anything known of the government's intentions? Is Rivarez likely to be tried in Brisighella or taken in to Ravenna?” “That we don't know. Ravenna, of course, is the chief town of the Legation and by law cases of importance can be tried only there, in the Tribunal of First Instance. But law doesn't count for much in the Four Legations; it depends on the personal fancy of anybody who happens to be in power.” “They won't take him in to Ravenna,” Michele interposed. “What makes you think so?” “I am sure of it. Colonel Ferrari, the military Governor at Brisighella, is uncle to the officer that Rivarez wounded; he's a vindictive sort of brute and won't give up a chance to spite an enemy.” “You think he will try to keep Rivarez here?” “I think he will try to get him hanged.” Martini glanced quickly at Gemma. She was very pale, but her face had not changed at the words. Evidently the idea was no new one to her. “He can hardly do that without some formality,” she said quietly; “but he might possibly get up a court-martial on some pretext or other, and justify himself afterwards by saying that the peace of the town required it.” “But what about the Cardinal? Would he consent to things of that kind?” “He has no jurisdiction in military affairs.” “No, but he has great influence. Surely the Governor would not venture on such a step without his consent?” “He'll never get that,” Marcone interrupted. “Montanelli was always against the military commissions, and everything of the kind. So long as they keep him in Brisighella nothing serious can happen; the Cardinal will always take the part of any prisoner. What I am afraid of is their taking him to Ravenna. Once there, he's lost.” “We shouldn't let him get there,” said Michele. “We could manage a rescue on the road; but to get him out of the fortress here is another matter.” “I think,” said Gemma; “that it would be quite useless to wait for the chance of his being transferred to Ravenna. We must make the attempt at Brisighella, and we have no time to lose. Cesare, you and I had better go over the plan of the fortress together, and see whether we can think out anything. I have an idea in my head, but I can't get over one point.” “Come, Marcone,” said Michele, rising; “we will leave them to think out their scheme. I have to go across to Fognano this afternoon, and I want you to come with me. Vincenzo hasn't sent those cartridges, and they ought to have been here yesterday.” When the two men had gone, Martini went up to Gemma and silently held out his hand. She let her fingers lie in his for a moment. “You were always a good friend, Cesare,” she said at last; “and a very present help in trouble. And now let us discuss plans.” CHAPTER III.