"I have been confined in a reeking, rayless dungeon unfit for swine, and doubtless Sir Max has been similarly outraged." Hymbercourt put his hand into his pouch and drew forth two gold pieces.
These he stealthily placed in the captain's hand, and that worthy official said:-- "I shall be glad to oblige, my lord." Hymbercourt left us, and Campo-Basso, beckoning the captain to one side, spoke to him in low tones.

The captain, I was glad to see, was a Burgundian.
After we left the hall we were taken to our old quarters.

The captain followed me into the cell, leaving his men in the passageway.
"My Lord Count ordered me to bring you here," he said; "but I will, if I can, soon return with other men who are not Italians and will remove you to a place of safety." "Am I not safe here?
Is my friend in danger ?" I asked.
The man smiled as though amused at my simplicity:-- "If you remain here to-night, there will be no need to hang you in the morning.

Our Italian friends have methods of their own that are simple and sure.

But I will try to find a way to remove you before--before the Italians have time to do their work.