n how had
Giovanni communicated with him, and in what manner had they contrived to
arrange the details of their dishonorable plot? Was it possible that old
Pasquale had been the medium of correspondence between the two men. Had
he been base enough to sell his child? In that case, with whom had he
fought so fiercely and desperately in the forest? Why also had the
brigand chief sworn Giovanni to silence? Vain questions, admitting of no
satisfactory replies. The Viscount's story was incredible; it was,
without doubt, a mere fabrication intended to cover and conceal his own
guilt in the premises. Still Esperance could not reconcile this theory
with the fact of finding Giovanni senseless in the forest.

The young Italian had by this time fully recovered from the effects of
the shock he had received. He arose to his feet, and, approaching
Esperance, said, earnestly:

"My friend, let the past be forgotten. I was wrong and you were right. I
ask your pardon. As to the abduction of this unfortunate girl, I assure
you that I am entirely innocent of it!"

"But who fired the shot that killed Lorenzo?" asked Esperance, sternly.

"Killed Lorenzo!" cried Giovanni, with unmistakable horror. "Was Lorenzo
killed?"

"He was shot to-night and died in my arms!"

"Oh! this is terrible!" exclaimed the Viscount, beads of cold
perspiration breaking out upon his forehead. "I assure you, Esperance, I
had no hand in this foul murder--I knew nothing of it! I did hear the
report of a pistol, but who discharged the weapon or at whom it was
fired I could not tell. Everything seemed like a disordered dream!"

As Esperance said not a word in reply, the Viscount continued:

"Again I assert my innocence of the dark crimes that have been committed
to-night! Do you not believe my protestation?"

"I know not what to believe," answered the young man. "But I will not
consider you guilty until you are proved so."

"Then," cried Giovanni, joyously, "I have a proposition to make to you.
Swear that you will be silent about everything that has occurred since
we met Annunziata Solara in the Piazza del Popolo, including the
terrible events of to-night, and I will start with you for Rome this
very instant!"

"And you will renounce your pursuit of the flower-girl?"

"I will renounce it!"

"Do you swear to do so?"

"I swear it!"

"Then, on my side, I here take the oath of silence you require!"

"You forgive me for having quarreled with you?"

"I for