satisfied himself that the people in the house either could
not, or would not hear him, he determined to make the best of
his position. Re-entering the carriage, he drew up the glasses,
looked to his pistols, stretched out his legs, and wishing his
mother good night, went off to sleep. Frantz did the same on
his post. The princess was not so fortunate; she was in
perpetual terror of some ambush, and kept her eyes wide open
all the night.

"So the night passed. At seven o'clock in the morning the door
of the coach-house opened, and a driver appeared with a couple
of horses.

"'Are there not some travellers for Florence here?' he asked
with the tone of perfect politeness, and as if he were putting
the most natural question in the world.

"The prince leapt from the carriage with the intention of
strangling the man--but it was another driver!

"'Where is the rascal that brought us here?' he demanded.

"'What, Peppino? Does your excellence mean Peppino?'

"'The driver from Pontedera?'

"'Ah, well, that was Peppino.'

"'Then where is Peppino?'