The time seemed to me so long--would the end NEVER come?
The next day dawned and trailed its tiresome hours after it, as a prisoner might trail his chain of iron fetters, until sunset, and then--then, when the gray of the wintry sky flashed for a brief space into glowing red--then, while the water looked like blood and the clouds like flame--then a few words sped along the telegraph wires that stilled my impatience, roused my soul, and braced every nerve and muscle in my body to instant action.

They were plain, clear, and concise: "From Guido Ferrari, Rome, to Il Conte Cesare Olfva, Naples .-- Shall be with you on the 24th inst.

Train arrives at 6:30 P.M.Will come to you as you desire without fail.".