"That is impossible, my lord," interrupted Stephano. "These men whom you
behold around you could alone betray that secret; and you must have seen
enough of them----"

"To know that they are stanch and true," added the marquis. "Yes, on
reflection, I perceive that I have nothing to fear; and therefore, with
your leave, the countess, her young companion, and myself will take our
departure to-morrow."

"In the evening, when it is dusk," said Stephano. "But your lordship
will not remain in Florence?"

"The news which you brought me, a few days ago, of the arrest of that
poor Israelite on a ridiculous but most monstrous charge, has affected
me strangely," observed Manuel; "and as it is in my power to explain
away that charge, I must tarry in Florence the necessary time to
accomplish this object. The Count of Arestino will imagine that his wife
has perished in the ruins of the convent; and hence her temporary
concealment in the city will be easily effected."

"Well, my lord," said Stephano, "it is not for me to dictate nor to
advise. But as I always entertain an esteem for a man with whom I have
measured weapons--and as I have somehow formed a liking for your
lordship--pardon my boldness--I should recommend you not to remain in
Florence on account of the Jew. The Lady Giulia might be discovered by
her husband, and you would lose her again. To tell your lordship the
truth," he added, in a low and confidential tone, "a friend of mine, who
commands a trading vessel, sails in a few days from Leghorn for the
Levant; and I intend to be a passenger on board, in company with the
sweet lady whom I have honored with my affections. What says your
lordship? will it suit you to embark in that vessel?"

"A thousand thanks, Signor Verrina," replied the marquis; "but I must
remain at Florence to prove the innocence of that poor, persecuted Jew."

Stephano offered no further remonstrance; and the conversation which
ensued possessed not the least interest for our readers.

On the following evening the Marquis, Giulia, and Flora quitted the
robbers' stronghold--all three were carefully blindfolded, and safely
conducted amidst the dangers of the egress by Stephano, Lomellino, and
another bandit. When in the grove with which the entrance of the
stronghold communicated, the bandages were removed from their eyes, and
the two ladies, as well as the marquis, were once more enabled to
rejoice in their freedom.

According to a previous arrang