"It is close on sundown," he said, "it is time Francisco came." "It is intolerably wearisome," yawned Conrad. "I would I had gone with our friend--'twould have been more enlivening than this." Tomaso's face ill concealed his scorn. "'Tis a matter of life and death, Count Conrad; even now the soldiers may at any time return." With a pleasant smile Von Schulembourg leaped from the table. "Pardon me, if I vex thee with my seeming carelessness," he said, with the charm of manner that could always win him friends. "I owe too large a debt to all of you, to really be so heedless as I seem; but methinks there is no single thing----" "Save keep ourselves in readiness, my lord," said Tomaso. "Francisco charged us to be so disposed that we could leap into the saddle without a breath's delay." "I remember," said Count Conrad, lapsing again into an idle mood. "Methinks our Veronese deliverer issues commands as if well used to it." The youth made no reply; he was gazing eagerly along the chestnut-bordered path, sorely impatient for Francisco's return. "Canst thou play chess?" asked Conrad suddenly. Tomaso looked around at him in surprise. Did the German noble jest? Von Schulembourg was again seated on the table, admiring his shapely hand, which he held against the light. "Play chess?" repeated Tomaso. "No, my lord." Count Conrad crossed his legs daintily and sighed. "It were a splendid chance to teach thee--had we but the men. Thou hast read old romance, boy? And must remember how the knights and ladies play at chess? 'Tis a royal game." He sighed again, and glanced with disdain down at his leather doublet. "Yet 'twere strange to play chess in this garb," he added, and kicked the table with his heels in discontent. Silence again fell, Tomaso still at the door, unheeding of the Count's complaints, watching anxiously through the gathering dusk. "By heaven, boy!" Conrad exclaimed suddenly. "Till this moment I had forgot it. Lady Valentine's gift--thinking of the chessmen brought it to my mind--I swore never to leave it--with my life! And 'tis behind me in the villa." "Behind thee, lord?" cried Tomaso, bewildered and startled at his excited tones. "Where? What?" Conrad was on his feet, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "At the villa," he cried. "I know where it is, I will go and fetch it." "My lord, consider what thou say'st," and Tomaso barred the door with outstretched arms. "We promised Francisco we would not leave the hut--to attempt the villa would be simple madness!" "Why, boy, the villa is close by," laughed Conrad, "and Francisco may not be back for hours most like; he may hang back till dark. Meanwhile am I to twirl my thumbs in here, and Lady Valentine's love-gift calling to me from beyond that wall? Out of my way, Tomaso. The dagger may be useful, and 'tis beautiful: a handle carved out of a single stone. Lady Valentine will not forgive my losing it!"