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He saw at some distance, among the tents, a capuchin, whom he

instantly recognised to be Father Christopher!

The history of the good friar, from the moment in which we lost

sight of him until this meeting, may be related in few words. He

had not stirred from Rimini, and he would not now have thought of

doing so if the plague breaking out at Milan had not afforded him

the opportunity, so long desired, of sacrificing his life for the

benefit of others. He demanded, as a favour, permission to go and

assist those who were infected with the disease. The count, he of

the secret council, was dead; and moreover, at this time, there

was a greater want of guardians to the sick, than of politicians:

his request was readily granted. He had now been in the lazaretto

nearly three months.