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Griso and his band left shortly after, and met at the old

building,-the former had previously left orders at the palace,

that, at the approach of night, there should be a litter brought

thither,-he then despatched three of the bravoes to the village

inn; one to remain at its entrance to observe the movements on

the road, and to give notice when the inhabitants should have

retired to rest; the other two to occupy themselves within as

idlers, gaming and drinking. Griso, with the rest of the troop,

continued in ambush, on the watch.

All this was going forward, and the sun was about to set, when

Renzo entered the cottage, and said to Lucy and her mother, "Tony

and Jervase are ready; I am going with them to sup at the inn; at

the sound of the 'Ave Maria,' we will come for you; take courage,

Lucy, all depends on a moment."

"Oh, yes," said Lucy, "courage;" with a voice that contradicted

her words.