"Well, I trust you are really counting on something solid," he answered.

"For you are taking a great deal upon yourself, Monsieur Basterga.

I hope you understand that," he added with a searching look.
"I take all on myself," the big man answered.
The Frenchman was far from content, but he argued no more.

He reflected a moment, considering whether he had forgotten anything: then, muttering that he would convey Basterga's views to the Grand Duke, he pulled his cloak more closely about his face, and with a curt nod of farewell, he turned on his heel and was gone.

A moment, and he was lost to sight between the wooden mills and sheds which flanked the bridge on either side, and rendered it at once as narrow and as picturesque as were most of the bridges of the day.