CHAPTER III.
The old man had introduced her with much of the pride of a father displaying some noble child of his for the first time to admiring friends.
"She is one of us," he pursued; "a daughter of Italy! My daughter also; is it not so ?" He turned to her as for a confirmation.

The signorina pressed his fingers.

She was a little intimidated, and for the moment seemed shy and girlish.

The shade of her broad straw hat partly concealed her vivid features.
"Now, gentlemen, if you please, the number is complete, and we may proceed to business," said Agostino, formally but as he conducted the signorina to place her at the feet of the Chief, she beckoned to her servant, who was holding the animal she had ridden.

He came up to her, and presented himself in something of a military posture of attention to her commands.