inquiry, and giving his benediction, in true sacerdotal manner, rode off at a pace that showed his seat on the library stool had not interfered with his seat in the saddle. It was now fully the half hour, and yet Jacopo did not come. I waited until the gong struck six, and was just about to ride off, leaving a message with the guard, when I saw him approaching. "Make haste," I cried as I mounted, "you are late." "Pardon, excellency! But the lady was not there. I had to wait a full hour before she came back from riding, and the General d'Alegres was with her." "Did you give the packet?" "I did, excellency. I rode up, asked who the Lady Angiola was, and presented the packet, saying it was from the Cavaliere di Savelli, my master." "Oh, glorious fool! Did I not tell you my name was Donati? Did I not tell you to say nothing, but merely give the packet into the lady's hands?" "Body o' me, excellency! But there were so many about, my wits almost went a wool-gathering. I gave madame the packet, however, and she took it." "Said anything?" "Nothing, excellency--never a word." There was no use crying over spilt milk, and cursing Jacopo in my heart for a muddle-headed fool, we started off. On reaching the sentry, I thought I might as well try and find out what the sham friar was looking after. The man raised his hand in salute as I came up, and flinging him a crown I bade him drink to the health of the Signory therewith. "Marry! I will with pleasure, and yours, too, excellency," he said, as he pocketed the money, evidently stirred by the amount. "Instead of mine, drink to the health of my good friend the monk, who has just gone on. Can you tell me if he inquired for any one here?" I relied on the simplicity of the man, and on taking him by surprise with the question, and as it happened I hit my mark. "In truth, excellency, the reverend father did inquire about a party of five horsemen, who took the road to Leghorn about four o'clock this afternoon. He doubted much if he could overtake them ere nightfall he said, and would have to ride hard." I poised another crown on my finger absently. "Do you know any of the party who went ahead?" "No, excellency; but their leader was an old man with a long white beard, and I think I heard him addressed as Ceci. Excellency, the wine will flow to-night--a hundred thanks." I dropped the crown into his palm, moving him to his closing words. "Come on, Jacopo. It grows late," and setting spurs to our horses, we rode out at a gallop. CHAPTER XII. THE AMBUSCADE.