And cursing his men for their stupidity he ordered two of them to unmoor a boat.
Apparently the craft had been secured with more care than skill, for to loosen it seemed to be a work of time.

Meanwhile I stood waiting in the midst of the group, anxious and yet exultant; an object of curiosity, and yet curious myself.

I heard the guards whisper together, and caught such phrases as "It is the Duc d'Aumale." "No, it is not D'Aumale.

It is nothing like him." "Well, he has the Duke's ring, fool!" "The Duke's ?" "Ay." "Then it is all right, God bless him!" This last was uttered with extreme fervour.
I was conscious too of being the object of many respectful glances; and had just bidden the men on the steps below me to be quick, when I discovered with alarm three figures moving across the open space towards us, and coming apparently from the same point from which Pallavicini and his men had emerged.
In a moment I foresaw danger.

"Now be quick there!" I cried again.
But scarcely had I spoken before I saw that it was impossible to get afloat before these others came up, and I prepared to stand my ground resolutely.
The first words, however, with which Pallavicini saluted the new-comers scattered my fears.