"Be calm, be hushed; I can save you." He vanished, leaving Isabel lost in surprise, agitation, and delight.

There were in all nine masks: two were engaged with the driver; one stood at the head of the carriage-horses; a third guarded the well-trained steeds of the party; three others, besides Zicci and the one who had first accosted Isabel, stood apart by a carriage drawn to the side of the road.

To these Zicci motioned: they advanced; he pointed towards the first mask, who was in fact the Prince di--, and to his unspeakable astonishment the Prince was suddenly seized from behind.
"Treason," he cried, "treason among my own men! What means this ?" "Place him in his carriage.

If he resist, shoot him!" said Zicci, calmly.
He approached the men who had detained the coachman.

"You are outnumbered and outwitted," said he.