"Thank you, Signor Alessandro: God be with you. Come, Pilade."
Silvestro took Castracane by the hand, but not before the gentleman had
kissed his own with profound respect. Then Silvestro led his friend away
through the trees, and the Sub-Prefect was understood to say--
"We have been on the wrong scent, men. Mount. To the city--Avanti!"
"What's all this? Whither now?" stammered Castracane.
Silvestro squeezed his hand. "Oh, dearest, let us go to the cave--let us
go to the cave on the hill!"
Castracane felt his friend trembling. Trembling is infectious; he began
to tremble too.
"Yes, yes, we will go to our cave," he agreed in a quick whisper.
X