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Long before this, however, the alarm had been given to other

personages of our story; the bravoes in one place; and Agnes and

Perpetua in another. It is necessary to relate briefly how the

former had been occupied, since we last took leave of them; those

at the old house, and those at the inn. The latter, when they

ascertained that the inhabitants of the village had retired to

rest, and that the road was clear, went to the cottage of Lucy,

and found that a perfect stillness reigned within. They then

returned to the old house to give in their report to Signor

Griso. He immediately put on a slouched hat, with a pilgrim's

habit, and staff, saying, "Let us act as becometh soldiers;

cautious, quiet, and attentive to orders." Then leading the way,

he, with his company, arrived at the cottage, by a route

different from that taken by our poor cottagers.