There were, in all, nine masks: two were engaged with the driver; one stood at the head of the carriage-horses; a fourth guarded the well-trained steeds of the party; three others (besides Zanoni and the one who had first accosted Viola) stood apart by a carriage drawn to the side of the road.

To these three Zanoni motioned; they advanced; he pointed towards the first mask, who was in fact the Prince di -- , and to his unspeakable astonishment the prince was suddenly seized from behind.
"Treason!" he cried.

"Treason among my own men! What means this ?" "Place him in his carriage! If he resist, his blood be on his own head!" said Zanoni, calmly.
He approached the men who had detained the coachman.
"You are outnumbered and outwitted," said he; "join your lord; you are three men,--we six, armed to the teeth.

Thank our mercy that we spare your lives.

Go!" The men gave way, dismayed.