“‘We must have been tilting at each other for fully half an hour, until at last, while he was giving a desperate lunge at me, his foot slipped, and I——I run him through the heart. “‘He died without a groan. “‘I took up the body and buried it with my own hands, digging a large hole in the ground as best I could with my own sword. “‘I went home and washed myself, and walked about as if nothing had happened. “‘For several days nothing was talked of but the sudden disappearance of Count Felix. “‘I among the rest seemed greatly surprised, and was often asked my opinion about the matter. “‘I told every one that my idea was that he had been visiting a strange beauty among the mountains, and very likely had fallen a victim to the revenge of some bold young mountaineer. “‘After a diligent search for more than a month the remains were discovered by the sagacity of a favourite hound which the count had had for many, many years, who had scented it out, and unearthed the body. “‘Every one now thought that my idea had proved too true. “‘Even Evelina changed towards me, and believed my story. “‘With successful robberies and roguery at dice I managed to keep up my appearance, and was not only always well attired, but had plenty of money. “‘Through great perseverance I managed to make an impression on Donna Evelina, and often sought her hand in marriage. “‘I was as often refused. “‘I know not why it was, but from the first moment I came near her after Count Felix’s death, she seemed to take a greater partiality for the count’s favourite hound than before.’ “‘The one that scented out the dead body?’ I asked. “‘Yes,’ he said, ‘and as often as I came in her presence as often would the beast try to fly at my throat. “‘Evelina used simply to laugh at this, but she seemed to smile upon me more than ever, and after several months she consented to marry me privately.’ “‘Privately, and why so?’ I asked. “‘I know not,’ said Baptiste; ‘but she promised to become my wife on one condition.’ “‘And what was that?’ I asked. “‘Why, that I should never divulge the secret, or ask to live with her, or be for even half an hour alone with her until the end of twelve months.’ “‘Singular request?’ said I. “‘Yes; but I agreed to it, and have kept my word, for she is immensely rich. But instead of this making me love her more, the conditions she imposed upon me turned my blood, and now I hate her.’ “‘When does the twelve months expire?’ I asked. “‘This very day.’ “‘Then you will sleep there to-night?’ “‘Yes.’ “‘But has she never found out your connection with this band?’ I asked. “‘No, nor even suspects it. Whenever I go there I always dress well, and have plenty of money, and so behave that no one would suspect me to be what I am.’ “‘And do you really intend to rob Donna Evelina, to-night?’ I asked. “‘Yes, and you must help me. She has great wealth, and I know where it is kept.’