"I thought I heard a sound of marching in the distance." "The wind in the trees, Peppino," explained Fanfulla.
"I do not think----" He stopped short and listened and now they all heard it, for it came wafted to them on a gust of the fitful breeze that smote their faces.
"You are right," said Francesco.

"It is the tramp of men.

But what of that, Peppe?
Men will march in Italy.

Let us hear the end of your story." "But who should march in Urbino, and by night ?" the fool persisted.
"Do I know or do I care ?" quoth the Count.

"Your story, man." For all that he was far from satisfied, the fool resumed his narrative.
But he no longer told it with his former irresistible humour.