I was by no means expecting the plan he proposed.
"The count may take it into his head to ride at a different hour, if he rides alone," he began.

"I will therefore have my mule saddled now, and will station my man--a countryman from Subiaco and good for any devilry--in some place where he can watch the entrance to the house, or the castle, or whatever you call this place.

So soon as he sees the count come out he will call me.

As a man can ride in only one of two directions in this valley, I shall have no trouble whatever in meeting the old gentleman, even if I cannot overtake him with my mule." "Have you any arms, Nino ?" "No.

I do not want weapons to face an old man in broad daylight; and he is too much of a soldier to attack me if I am defenceless.