"How could we possibly have missed him?" exclaimed another. "Stephano is not so easily caught, my men," observed the lieutenant. "He is the most astute and cunning of the band of which he is the captain. And yet, I wish we had pounced upon him, since we were so nicely upon his track." "And a thousand ducats offered by the state for his capture," suggested one of the sbirri. "Yes; 'tis annoying!" ejaculated the lieutenant, "but I could have sworn he passed this way." "And I could bear the same evidence, signor," observed the first speaker. "Maybe he has taken refuge in those bushes." "Not unlikely. We are fools to grant him a moment's vantage ground. Over the fence, my men, and beat amongst these gardens." Thus speaking, the lieutenant set the example, by leaping the railing, and entering the grounds belonging to Wagner's abode. The sbirri, who were six in number, including their officer, divided themselves into two parties, and proceeded to search the gardens. Suddenly a loud cry of horror burst from one of the sections; and when the other hastened to the spot, the sbirri composing it found their comrades in the act of raising the corpse of Agnes. "She is quite dead," said the lieutenant, placing his hand upon her heart. "And yet the crime cannot have been committed many minutes, as the corpse is scarcely cold, and the blood still oozes forth." "What a lovely creature she must have been," exclaimed one of the sbirri. "Cease your profane remarks, my man," cried the lieutenant. "This must be examined into directly. Does any one know who dwells in that mansion?" "Signor Wagner, a wealthy German," was the reply given by a sbirro. "Then come with me, my man," said the lieutenant; "and let us lose no time in searching his house. One of you must remain by the corpse--and the rest may continue the search after the bandit, Stephano." Having issued these orders, the lieutenant, followed by the sbirro whom he had chosen to accompany him, hastened to the mansion. The gate was opened by an old porter, who stared in astonishment when he beheld the functionaries of justice visiting that peaceful dwelling. But the lieutenant ordered him to close and lock the gate; and having secured the key, the officer said, "We must search this house; a crime has been committed close at hand." "A crime!" ejaculated the porter; "then the culprit is not here--for there is not a soul beneath this roof who would perpetrate a misdeed." "Cease your prating, old man," said the lieutenant, sternly. "We have a duty to perform--see that we be not molested in executing it." "But what is the crime, signor, of which----" "Nay--that you shall know anon," interrupted the lieutenant. "In the name of his serene highness, the duke, I command you in the first place to lead me and my followers to the presence of your master."