We shall join you, if all goes well, by one o'clock." "But, Nino, if you do not come ?" "I will come, alone, or with her.

If--if I should not be with you by two in the morning, go on alone, and get out of the way.

It will be because I am caught by that old Prussian devil.

Good-bye." He embraced me affectionately, and I went out.

A quarter of an hour later I was out of the town, picking my way, with my little donkey, over the desolate path that leads toward the black Serra.