n at the station. I had examined the
engine; given instructions to the Fochista, or stoker, about the fire;
seen to the supply of oil; and got all in readiness, when, just as I was
about to compare my watch with the clock in the ticket-office, a hand was
laid upon my arm, and a voice in my ear said:

"Are you the engine-driver who is going on with this special train?"

I had never seen the speaker before. He was a small, dark man, muffled
up about the throat, with blue glasses, a large black beard, and his hat
drawn low upon his eyes.

"You are a poor man, I suppose," he said, in a quick, eager whisper,
"and, like other poor men, would not object to be better off. Would you
like to earn a couple of thousand florins?"

"In what way?"

"Hush! You are to stop at Padua, are you not, and to go on again at
Ponte di Brenta?"

I nodded.

"Suppose you did nothing of the kind. Suppose, instead of turning off
the steam, you jump off the engine, and let the train run on?"

"Impossible. There are seventy yards of embankment gone, and--"

"Basta! I know that. Save yourself, and let the train run on. It would
be nothing but an accident."

I turned hot and cold; I trembled; my heart beat fast, and my breath
failed.

"Why do you tempt me?" I faltered.

"For Italy's sake," he whispered; "for liberty's sake. I know you are no
Italian; but, for all that, you may be a friend. This Loredano is one of
his country's bitterest enemies. Stay, here are the two thousand
florins."

I thrust his hand back fiercely.

"No--no," I said. "No blood-money. If I do it, I do it neither for
Italy nor for money; but for vengeance."

"For vengeance!" he repeated.

At this moment the signal was given for backing up to the platform. I
sprang to my place upon the engine without another word. When I again
looked towards the spot where he had been standing, the stranger was
gone.

I saw them take their places--Duke and Duchess, secretary and priest,
valet and maid. I saw the station-master bow them into the carriage, and
stand, bareheaded, beside the door. I could not distinguish their faces;
the platform was too dusk, and the glare from the engine fire too strong;
but I recognised her stately figure, and the poise of her head. Had I
not been told who she was, I should have known her by those traits alone.
Then the guard's whistle shrilled out, and the station-master made his
last bow; I turned the steam on; and we started.