For me, and for Lodi if he was not taken, there may be safety in flight.

Into the territory of Babbiano I shall never again set foot whilst Gian Maria is Duke, unless I be weary of this world.

But of the seventh--yourself--you heard old Lodi swear that the secret could not have transpired.

Yet should his Highness come to hear of your presence in these parts and in my company, suspicion might set him on the road that leads to knowledge." "Ah! And then ?" "Then ?" returned the other, eyeing Francesco in surprise.

"Why, then, the hopes we found on you--the hopes of every man in Babbiano worthy of the name--would be frustrated.