my daughter
to the north end of the island, and place her, not on board your ship,
but in the care of her aunt, my brother's wife? You are a seaman, I
know, and are doubtless skilled in your profession; but how would you
proceed? It would be perfect madness to attempt engaging a vessel to
convey you along the coast, the reward for delivering you both over to
the French authorities would be an irresistible temptation to the
fishermen or coasters."

"I should not dream of running so serious a risk," I replied. "My plan
is very simple. I should make for Ajaccio, timing myself to reach the
place about two or three o'clock in the morning, seize the most
promising-looking boat I could find, and make sail in her. The only
difficulty would be with my wounded arm, which is at present quite
useless, but I dare say--"

"If that is your only difficulty," again interrupted the count, "it may
be easily overcome. I would send one of my people with you, a man whom
I can implicitly trust, and who has moreover had some experience on
board the small craft which trade along the coast."

"Not Matteo, I hope?" said I.

"No, not Matteo," replied the count. "You are prejudiced against him,
and would probably refuse to take him. The man I am thinking of is
called Giaccomo--he is one of the under-gardeners."

"I should like to see the man," said I; "but in the meantime had we not
better make what preparations we can to defend the chateau, as well as
to secure a retreat, should such be necessary?"

"By all means," said the count. "Let us first go to the stables, and
arrange the means for your escape, should it be necessary, and then we
will go round the chateau together, and see what can be done in the
matter of defending it."

We turned away and walked round to the stables, in which stood ten fine
horses. These, the count ordered to be removed at once to a place which
he called the Elfin Grotto, giving instructions that the three which
were considered to be the fleetest were to be saddled and bridled ready
for instant use, Francesca's saddle being required for one of them. He
also hunted out Giaccomo--who looked a smart honest fellow enough--and
ordered him to go with the horses to the grotto, holding himself in
readiness for a lengthened journey at a moment's notice, and that he was
to understand he was under my immediate orders, to do whatever I might
require of him.

We then retired to the interior of the chateau, to exa