She smiled away the doubt my words implied.

"Madonna Lucrezia is my friend," said she; "as sweet and gentle a friend
as ever woman had, and she will stand by me even against her own family."

Since she was satisfied of that, I waived the point, and returned to what
was of more immediate interest.

"And you fled," said I, "with these?" And I indicated her attendants.
"Not content to leave the clearest of tracks behind you in the snow, you
have had yourself attended by four grooms in the livery of Santafior. So
that by asking a few questions any that were so inclined might follow you
with ease."

She opened wide her eyes at that. Oftentimes have I observed that it
needs a fool to teach some elementary wisdom to the wise ones of this
world. I leapt from my saddle and stood in the road beside her, the
bridle on my arm.

"Listen now, Madonna. If you would make good your escape it first imports
that you should rid yourself of this valiant escort. Separate from it for
a little while. Take you my horse--it is a very gentle beast, and it wilt
carry you with safety--and ride on, alone, to Cagli."

"Alone?" quoth she, in some surprise.

"Why, yes," I answered gruffly. "What of that? At the Inn of 'The Full
Moon' ask for the hostess, and tell her that you are to await an escort
there, begging her, meanwhile, to place you under her protection. She is