I had confidently expected that the party searching for Madonna Paola would have succeeded ere this in finding her.

But this morning my hopes suffered disappointment.

My men have returned empty-handed once more." "For which mercy may Heaven be praised!" I burst out.
He scowled at me; then he laughed evilly.
"My men have returned--all save three.

Captain Lucagnolo with two of his followers, has undertaken to go beyond the area I appointed for the search, and to proceed to the village of Cattolica.

While he is pursuing his inquiries there, I have resolved to pursue my own here.