thrust a paper into
my hand; "read this after I leave you. In one hour from this be you on
this spot. Are you armed?"

"No," replied I; "but Albert--"

"You may not need it; but nevertheless take this,--I cannot wait." So
saying, he put a stiletto into my hand, and again made a hasty retreat.

It had been my intention to have asked Albert what was his plan, and
further why he did not speak English instead of Italian, as he would
have been less liable to be understood if overheard by eavesdroppers;
but a little reflection told me that he was right in speaking Italian,
as the English language overheard would have betrayed him, or at least
have identified him as a foreigner.

"A very mysterious affair this!" thought I; "but, however, this paper
will, I presume, explain the business. That there is a danger in it is
evident, or he would not have given me this weapon;" and I turned the
stiletto once or twice to the light of the lamp next to me, examining
its blade, when, looking up, I perceived a black domino standing before
me.

"It is sharp enough, I warrant," said the domino; "you have but to
strike home. I have been waiting for you in the next walk, which I
thought was to be our rendezvous. Here is a paper which you will fasten
to his dress. I will contrive that he shall be here in an hour hence by
a pretended message. After his death you will put this packet into his
bosom;--you understand. Fail not: remember the one thousand sequins;
and here is my ring, which I will redeem as soon as your work is done.
The others will soon be here. The pass-word is `Milano.' But I must
not be seen here. Why a sky-blue domino? it is too conspicuous for
escape;" and as I received from him the packet and ring, the black
domino retreated through the orange grove which encircled us.

I was lost in amazement: there I stood with my hands full--two papers, a
packet, a stiletto, and a diamond ring!

"Well," thought I, "this time I am most assuredly taken for somebody
else--for a bravo I am not. There is some foul work going on, which
perhaps I may prevent."

"But why a sky-blue domino?" said he.

I may well ask the same question. "Why the deuce did I come here in a
sky-blue domino, or any domino at all?"

I put the ring on my finger, the stiletto and packet in my bosom, and
then hastened away to the garden on the other side of the palazzo, that
I might read the mysterious communication put into my hands by my friend
A