"But what when he discerns how you have played upon him?
What when he discovers the trick by which you have thrown him off the scent?
What when he returns ?" "Spare me," I begged, "I am but indifferently skilful at conjecture." "Nay, but you shall answer me," he cried, livid with a passion that my bantering tone had quickened.
"Can it be that you are indeed curious to know what will befall when he returns ?" I questioned meekly.
"I am," he snorted, with an angry twist of the lips.
"It should be easy to gratify the morbid spirit of curiosity that actuates you.

Remain here, and await his return.

Thus shall you learn." "That will not I," he vowed.
"Nor I, nor I, nor I!" chorused his followers.
"Then, why plague me with unprofitable questions?
What concern is it of ours how Messer del' Orca shall vent his wrath when he is disillusioned.
Your duty now is to rejoin your mistress.

Ride hard for Cagli.

Seek her at the sign of 'The Full Moon,' and then away for Pesaro.