I meant to steal away about ten o'clock, or as soon as I had seen Nino and communicated to him the result of my interview with Temistocle.
The hours seemed endless, in spite of my preparations, which occupied some time; so I went out when I had eaten my supper, and visited my ass, and gave him a little bread that was left, thinking it would strengthen him for the journey.

Then I came back to my room, and watched.

Just as the moonlight was shooting over the hill, Nino rode up the street.

I knew him in the dusk by his broad hat, and also because he was humming a little tune through his nose, as he generally does.

But he rode past my door without looking up, for he meant to put his mule in the stable for a rest.
At last he came in, still humming, and apologised for the delay, saying he had stopped a few minutes at the inn to get some supper.