To say that the cry came suddenly would be to say nothing. There came a shriek of appalling fear close by, which tore the air with terror. I took one step and listened. For a second I heard the rumbling of carriage wheels at a distance, and not another sound, but that of the faint music far away. Then came a foot-step at racing pace nearer and nearer, then a trip and a long stagger, as though the runner had nearly fallen, and then the headlong pace again. And then, with the soft broad moon-light full upon his face, a man came darting round the corner of the lane. I strove to move aside, but before I could lift a foot he was upon me like an avalanche. I knew that we fell together, and that the man arose and resumed his headlong course. I tried to call after him, but found no voice. I tried to rise, but could not move a limb. Then a sickly shudder ran through me, and I fainted. * * * * * Out of a sort of vaporous dream came the slow sound of carriage wheels bumping along the ruts of the road; then a light which was not of the moon; then a sudden pause in the noise of wheels and the sound of a coarse, strong voice speaking in tones of great excitement. 'Body of Bacchus! What a night for adventures! Here is another of them!' The light came nearer, and another voice burst out in English, 'By the Lord! That's the man!' The voices both grew dim, and though they still talked, they sounded like the noise of running water, wordless and indistinct. Then I felt myself lifted into a carriage, and until I awoke here I knew nothing. It was the jar of bolts, and the rattling fall of a chain, and the grating noise of a key in a lock which awoke me. I turned and recognised the man who entered--an officer, by name Ratuzzi, to whom I had done some service in old days. I asked him feebly where I was and how I came there. 'In the town gaol,' he answered gravely, and the solemnity of his face and tone chilled me. 'In the town gaol?' I repeated. 'Why was I brought here?' 'I am very sorry, signor,' he said in the same tone. 'In whatsoever I can serve you, you may command me. Shall I give orders to send for a doctor?' 'Why was I brought here?' I asked again. He made no reply, and weak and shaken as I was, I sat up and reiterated my question. 'You are charged with the murder of Carlo Grammont.' 'Charles Grammont? Murder?' I repeated. 'Would you wish to see a doctor or an avvocato?' I could only moan in answer. 'Charles Grammont murdered! Oh, my poor Cecilia! My angel and my love!' For the face of the man in the lane was the face of Arthur Clyde, and the moonlight had shown to me, oh! too, too clearly, the blood that smeared his brow. CHAPTER V.--_LA TEMPESTA VA CRESCENDO_. I am remanded for trial.