Pagina 221 de 1118

He advanced, shading his face with the lamp, and perceived a bed;

it was made, and perfectly smooth, with the covering arranged in

order on the bolster! He shrugged his shoulders, and returning to

the company, made a sign to them, that he was going into the

other room, and that they should remain quietly behind,-he did

so, and had the same success; all deserted and quiet.

"What the devil's this?" said he aloud; "some traitorous dog has

played the spy!" They then searched with less ceremony the rest

of the house, putting every thing out of its place. Meanwhile

those at the doorway heard a light step approaching in the

street,-they kept very quiet, thinking it would pass on; but,

behold! it stopped exactly in front of the cottage! It was

Menico, who had come in haste from the convent, to warn Agnes and

her daughter to escape from the house, and take refuge there,

because-the because is already known. He was surprised to find

the door unbolted, and entering with a vague sentiment of alarm,

found himself seized by two ruffians, who said in a menacing

tone, "Hush! be quiet, or you die!" He uttered a cry, at which

one struck him a blow on the mouth, the other placed his hand on

his sword to inspire him with fear.