The princes sometimes sent their carriage round by the longer way and rode over the hills; and in the vintage-time there was some traffic, as many of the smaller peasants carried grapes across the pass to the larger wine-presses, and sold them outright.

It was not a dangerous road, for the very reason that it was so unfrequented.

The Duchessa explained that she only wanted to see the valley beyond from the summit of the pass, and would then return.

It was past mid-day when the party reached the highest point,--a depression between the crags just wide enough to admit one loaded mule.

The keeper said she could see Saracinesca from the end of the narrow way, before the descent began.