I suggested to Nino that it would be wiser if the countryman led the way through the woods, and I followed him.

Then the contessina would be behind me, and Nino would bring up the rear.

It occurred to me that the mules might outstrip my donkey if I went last, and so I might be left to face the attack, if any came; whereas, if I were in front, the others could not go any faster than I..