He has beaten the country thoroughly for three leagues of the town on those two sides, as you desired him, but unfortunately without result.

He is now spreading his search to the south, and not a house is being left unvisited.

By morning he hopes to report again to your Excellency." A wild wave of joy swept through my soul.

They had ransacked the country west and north of Cattolica without result.

Why then, assuredly, they had missed the peasant's hut that sheltered her, and where she waited yet for my return.