第599页 / 共1118页

"Have a litter prepared immediately, and let it carry you to

Malanotte. Quick, quick; you must arrive before the carriage; it

approaches with the slow step of death. In this carriage there

is-there ought to be-a young girl. If she is there, tell Nibbio

from me, that he must place her in the litter, and that he must

come at once to me. You will get into the litter with her; and

when you arrive here, you must take her to your room. If she asks

you where you are leading her, whose is this castle, be

careful--"

"Oh, do not doubt me," said the old woman.

"But," pursued the Unknown, "comfort her, encourage her."

"What can I say to her?"