ly, for there was something
ominously mysterious in his words; but the brigand stalked in a dogged
manner toward the door, as if anxious to hurry the departure so long
protracted, and Manuel, having renewed the expressions of his gratitude
toward Isaachar ben Solomon, hastily followed Verrina from the house.

CHAPTER XXVII.

STEPHANO AND THE MARQUIS--THE STRONGHOLD OF THE BANDITTI.

The moment Stephano and the marquis were alone together in the open
street the former related all the incidents which had occurred at the
Arestino Palace after the departure of Manuel himself; and the young
nobleman now learned, with feelings of remorse and sorrow, that the
unfortunate countess had been hurried away to the convent of the
Carmelites--that species of inquisition the gates of which so seldom
opened more than once for each new female victim.

"But you promised to save her, signor!" he exclaimed, with enthusiastic
warmth.

"I gave this pledge in the manner described to your lordship," returned
Verrina, "and I shall not swerve from it."

"Think you that her liberation can be effected?" demanded Manuel.
"Remember that the convent is protected by the highest personages in the
state--that violence never will succeed in accomplishing the object--for
should an armed man dare to pass that sacred threshold, every sbirro in
Florence would fly to the spot----"

"It is, then, your lordship who is afraid of attempting the rescue of
the countess!" interrupted Stephano, in a contemptuous tone.

"That observation is hardly fair, Signor Verrina," said the young
nobleman; "considering that my right arm is disabled, and that the wound
was received in combat with yourself."

"I crave your lordship's pardon," exclaimed the bandit-captain. "My
remark was most uncourteous--particularly to one who has ere now given
no equivocal proof of his valor. But I pretend not to courtly manners;
and such as I am you will find me faithfully devoted to your service and
that of the Lady Giulia. The attempt to rescue her will be somewhat
hazardous; it is, however, tolerably sure of success. But it can only be
undertaken on certain conditions; and these regard your lordship's self.
Indeed, had I not so opportunely met you at the Jew's house, I should
have sent one of my fellows to you to-morrow."

"In what way do the conditions that you speak of, regard myself?"
inquired the marquis.

"To this extent," returned the robber-chief; "that you accompan