ust, in case of any special
difficulty; and of all the set here Martini is the man in whom I have
most confidence. Riccardo would do anything he could for us, of course;
but I think Martini has a steadier head. Still, you know him better than
I do; it is as you think."

"I have not the slightest doubt as to Martini's trustworthiness and
efficiency in every respect; and I think he would probably consent to
give us any help he could. But----"

He understood at once.

"Gemma, what would you feel if you found out that a comrade in bitter
need had not asked you for help you might have given, for fear of
hurting or distressing you? Would you say there was any true kindness in
that?"

"Very well," she said, after a little pause; "I will send Katie round at
once and ask him to come; and while she is gone I will go to Louisa for
her passport; she promised to lend it whenever I want one. What about
money? Shall I draw some out of the bank?"

"No; don't waste time on that; I can draw enough from my account to last
us for a bit. We will fall back on yours later on if my balance runs
short. Till half-past five, then; I shall be sure to find you here, of
course?"

"Oh, yes! I shall be back long before then."

Half an hour after the appointed time he returned, and found Gemma
and Martini sitting on the terrace together. He saw at once that their
conversation had been a distressing one; the traces of agitation were
visible in both of them, and Martini was unusually silent and glum.

"Have you arranged everything?" she asked, looking up.

"Yes; and I have brought you some money for the journey. The horse will
be ready for me at the Ponte Rosso barrier at one in the night."

"Is not that rather late? You ought to get into San Lorenzo before the
people are up in the morning."

"So I shall; it's a very fast horse; and I don't want to leave here
when there's a chance of anyone noticing me. I shan't go home any more;
there's a spy watching at the door, and he thinks me in."

"How did you get out without his seeing you?"

"Out of the kitchen window into the back garden and over the neighbour's
orchard wall; that's what makes me so late; I had to dodge him. I left
the owner of the horse to sit in the study all the evening with the lamp
lighted. When the spy sees the light in the window and a shadow on
the blind he will be quite satisfied that I am writing at home this
evening."

"Then you will stay here till it is time to go