"Why, it is the castle of Monna Valentina." "True, sapient sir.

But what of the company, and why was it travelling so, by night ?" "How know you it proceeded from Urbino ?" quoth the captain earnestly.
"Because at its head I recognised the roaring warrior Ercole Fortemani, in the middle rode Romeo Gonzaga, in the rear came Fra Domenico, Madonna's confessor--men of Urbino all." The officer's face grew purple at the news.
"Were there any women in the party ?" he cried.
"I saw none," replied the fool, in whom this sudden eagerness of the captain's awakened caution and reflection.
"But there were four litters," put in Francesco, whose nature was less suspicious and alert than the wise fool's.
Too late Peppe scowled caution at him.

The captain swore a great oath.
"It is she," he cried, with assurance.

"And this company was travelling to Roccaleone, you say.

How know you that ?" "We heard it from the friar," answered Francesco readily.
"Then, by the Virgin! we have them.