Then he himself mounted, and the countryman trotted by his side.
Nino brought his mule close to Hedwig's.

She was an accomplished horsewoman, and had no difficulty in accommodating herself to the rough country saddle.

Their hands met, and the mules, long accustomed to each other's company, moved so evenly that the gentle bond was not broken.

But although Hedwig's fingers twined lovingly with his, and she often turned and looked at him from beneath her hanging veil, she was silent for a long time.

Nino respected her mood, half guessing what she felt, and no sound was heard save an occasional grunt from the countryman as he urged the beasts, and the regular clatter of the hoofs on the stony road.
To tell the truth, Nino was overwhelmed with anxiety; for his quick wits had told him that Benoni, infuriated by the check he had received, would lose no time in remounting the stairs, saddling a horse, and following them.