Pagina 346 di 788

When I arrived at Palermo, they knew of it from the gazette, and

all the women pointed at me. They even printed a romance about

the whole event, where I am mentioned by name. The romance is

entitled, _The Count; or, The Mysteries of the Castle of

Birbante-Rocca_. Are there dungeons in this castle?"

"There are immense beer-cellars," said the Warden, "but empty,

for the Soplicas have drunk up the wine!"

"We must arm the jockeys on the estate," added the Count, "and

summon the vassals from the village."