I have lost my way, and it is necessary that I should go on without a moment's delay.
Can you tell me how far the villa of Polani is distant ?" "It is about three miles from here," the man said.
"I will give a ducat to your son if he will run on with me at once." The man looked doubtful.

The apparel and general appearance of Francis were not prepossessing.

He had been six days a prisoner in the hold without means of washing.
"See," he said, producing a ducat, "here is the money.

I will give it you at once if you will order your son to go with me, and to hurry at the top of his speed." "It's a bargain," the man said.
"Here, Rufo! start at once with the signor." "Come along, signor," the boy said; and without another word to the parents Francis followed him out, and both set off at a run along the road.
Francis had said nothing about pirates to the peasants, for he knew that, did he do so, such alarm would be caused that they would think of nothing but flight, and he should not be able to obtain a guide.

It was improbable that they would be molested.