"But you promised to save her, signor!" he exclaimed, with enthusiastic warmth. "I gave this pledge in the manner described to your lordship," returned Verrina, "and I shall not swerve from it." "Think you that her liberation can be effected?" demanded Manuel. "Remember that the convent is protected by the highest personages in the state--that violence never will succeed in accomplishing the object--for should an armed man dare to pass that sacred threshold, every sbirro in Florence would fly to the spot----" "It is, then, your lordship who is afraid of attempting the rescue of the countess!" interrupted Stephano, in a contemptuous tone. "That observation is hardly fair, Signor Verrina," said the young nobleman; "considering that my right arm is disabled, and that the wound was received in combat with yourself." "I crave your lordship's pardon," exclaimed the bandit-captain. "My remark was most uncourteous--particularly to one who has ere now given no equivocal proof of his valor. But I pretend not to courtly manners; and such as I am you will find me faithfully devoted to your service and that of the Lady Giulia. The attempt to rescue her will be somewhat hazardous; it is, however, tolerably sure of success. But it can only be undertaken on certain conditions; and these regard your lordship's self. Indeed, had I not so opportunely met you at the Jew's house, I should have sent one of my fellows to you to-morrow." "In what way do the conditions that you speak of, regard myself?" inquired the marquis. "To this extent," returned the robber-chief; "that you accompany me to my stronghold, wherever it may be; that you join us in any project or plan that may be undertaken with a view to liberate the Countess of Arestino; and that you remain with us until such project or plan be attempted; then, whether it succeed or fail, you shall be at liberty to take your departure." "Agreed!" exclaimed Manuel; "and now permit me to ask you one question:--On what ground do you manifest this interest in behalf of the countess and myself? You are well aware that from me you have little to hope in the shape of reward; and that the countess will be in no better condition than myself to recompense you, even if you succeed in effecting her rescue."