You can rely upon my protection after the affair has blown over.

Now come in, lads, this is the house of a faithful serf of mine, who works here on his own account as an artisan, and you will be safe from interruption for the next hour or two." Upon entering the cottage, the midshipmen were surprised to find the countess and her daughters, who greeted them no less warmly than the count had done.
"My husband has told me all that you have done for us," the countess said, "and how you first discovered the plot between the governor and that miserable traitor for our ruin.

I have blamed him for hiding it from us at first, for surely a wife should know of the dangers to which her husband is exposed.

Besides, I and my daughters would have remained ignorant of the obligation we owe you." "And to think of the way you took us in with the ponies," Olga laughed.

"Papa said that was your invention, Master Jack.