He was an enormous Sicilian, tall, sinewy and with a countenance as dark and fierce as his master's.

In his belt was a long knife, such as is known as a stilleto.
"Tommaso," said the Duke, "kindly show Signor Merreek to his room, and ask Guido if luncheon is ready to be served." "_Va bene, padrone_," growled the man, and turned obediently to escort the American.
Uncle John entered the house, traversed a broad and cool passage, mounted to the second floor and found himself in a pleasant room with a balcony overlooking the valley.

It was comfortably furnished, and with a bow that was not without a certain grim respect the man left him alone and tramped down the stairs again.

There had been no attempt to restrain his liberty or molest him in any way, yet he was not slow to recognize the fact that he was a prisoner.

Not in the house, perhaps, but in the valley.