"They're off, at any rate!" cried Buttons. "I went to their room. It was open. The servants were fixing it up. I asked why. They said the Spaniards had left Venice early this morning. They did not know any thing more." "Strange!" "Strange, of course. It's so sudden. Their plans were laid out for a week in Venice." "Perhaps they were frightened at our adventure." Buttons sprung to the bell and pulled it vigorously. Then he rushed to the door and flung it open. Five or six waiters came tumbling in. They had all been listening at the key-hole. "Where's the chief waiter?" "Here," said that functionary, approaching. "Come here. You may retire," said Buttons to the others. They went out reluctantly. "Now, my friend," said he, putting some piastres in the hand of the chief waiter. "Think, and answer me right. Where are the Spaniards --a gentleman and two ladies--who came here with us?" "They have left the city." "When?" "At six this morning, by the first train." "Why did they leave?" "A hint came from the Commandant." "From him. Ah! What about?" "Why--you know--your Excellencies were to waited on by a deputation." "We were arrested. Well?" "Well, these Spaniards were friends yours." "Yes." "That connection made them suspected." "Diavolo!" "Such is the melancholy fact. There was no cause strong enough to lead to their arrest. It would have been inconvenient. So the Commandant sent a message, immediately after your Excellency's lamentable arrest, to warn them--" "What of?" "That they had better leave the country at once." "Yes, but that didn't force them to go." "Ah, Signore! Do you not know what such a warning is? There is no refusal." "And so they left." "At six by the train." "Where to?" "Signore, they had their passports made out for Milan." "Milan!" "Certainly. It was necessary for them not only to leave Venice, but Venetia." "Very well. When does the next train leave?" "Not till to-morrow morning at six." "You must call us then at five, for we are going. Here, take our passports and get them viséd;" and having explained matters to the Senator, Buttons found no need of persuasion to induce them to quit the city, so the passports were handed over to the waiter. So at six the next morning they went flying over the sea, over the lagoons, over the marshes, over the plains, away toward Lombardy. [Illustration: Formalities.]