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They reached the castle; the bravoes who were on the esplanade

and at the door, retired on both sides to leave the passage free.

The Unknown made a sign to them not to go farther off. Spurring

his mule, he passed before the litter, and beckoning to Don

Abbondio and the coachman to follow him, he entered a first

court, and thence a second: approaching a small door, and with a

gesture keeping back a bravo, who advanced to hold his stirrup,

he said, "Remain there yourself, and let none approach nearer."

He dismounted, and with the reins in his hand, drew near the

woman, who had withdrawn the curtains of the litter, saying to

her in a low voice, "Hasten to comfort her; and make her

understand at once that she is free, and with friends. God will

reward you!" He then advanced to the curate, and helping him to

dismount, said, "Signor Curate, I will not ask your forgiveness

for the trouble you have taken on my account; you suffer for one

who will reward you well, and for this poor girl."