"What! Signor Markham!" said the young _aide-de-camp_, shaking him kindly by the hand. "This is indeed most fortunate! But I have not a moment to spare. Listen! terrible events have taken place at Montoni: _you_ are in danger. You must separate from your attendant, and each gain the Neapolitan frontier by a separate route. Follow my advice, my dear Markham,—_as you value your life_!" At that moment the host re-appeared with the gold and silver in change for the note; and Bazzano, having hastily consigned the money to his pocket, hurried from the room,—but not before he had darted a significant glance upon our hero. In a few moments the post-chaise drove rapidly away. Richard returned to his seat in a cruel state of uncertainty, doubt, and suspense. What could that precipitate journey mean? was Bazzano the sole occupant of the carriage? what terrible events could have occurred at Montoni? and what was that fearful peril which would oblige him to adopt so painful a precaution as to separate from his companion? Richard was at a total loss how to solve these queries which naturally suggested themselves to his mind. While he was yet pondering on the singularity of the incidents which had occurred, all within the space of three or four minutes, the company poured back again to the coffee-room. "Something mysterious there," said one. "Yes—a post-chaise with the blinds drawn down," observed another. "Four horses—and travelling like wild-fire," exclaimed a third. "The tall man in the cloak, who rode outside, came into this room. What did he want, sir?" demanded the speaker, turning abruptly towards Markham; "for I believe you did not leave the room." "He obtained change from the landlord for a bank-note, sir," answered our hero laconically. "Oh! that was all—eh? Well—the thing still looks odd—particularly in such troubled times as these. Did anybody hear the orders given to the postilions?" "The tall man in the cloak said in a loud voice, '_The road towards Dandolo, my boys!_'" observed another of the company. Richard smiled imperceptibly; for he thought within himself, "Then it is precisely because Bazzano said in a loud tone, '_Towards Dandolo_,' that the travellers are going in another direction." The company continued to debate, as all gossips will, upon the incident which had just occurred; and Richard determined to lose no more time ere he explained to Morcar, who had of course recognised the young _aide-de-camp_, the nature of the warning he had received from this individual. He according bade the assembled guests "Good night," and left the room, followed by Morcar. At his request, the landlord conducted them to a double-bedded room; and the moment the host had retired, Richard communicated to the gipsy all that Bazzano had said to him. "There is but one course to pursue, sir," exclaimed Morcar. "Which is that?" asked Richard.