a thing or two that happened at 'Crow's Nest' and so help me. But
until I have slept I am useless."

He withdrew presently, carrying his notebook in his hand, while
Brendon, promising to return after breakfast on the following
morning, strolled to the silkworm house where the last of the
caterpillars had spun its golden shroud. He was not depressed by the
weary tones of Peter's voice nor the discouraging nature of his
brief statement, for, while speaking, Mr. Ganns had discounted his
pessimism by a pregnant wink unseen by Doria. It was clear to
Brendon that he had no intention of acquainting Giuseppe with any
new facts--if such there might be; and this interested Mark the more
because, as yet, Peter was quite ignorant of his own adventure on
Griante. He had kept it out of the post, not desiring to obtrude
anything between Mr. Ganns and his personal activities.

On the following day it was Mr. Redmayne who found himself weary.
Reaction came and he slept all that night and determined to keep his
bed for twenty-four hours. It seemed, however, that he was going to
find occupation for everybody. He directed Doria to visit Milan, on
a mission to secondhand booksellers, and Jenny was sent to Varenna
with a gift for an acquaintance.

Brendon perceived that it was designed to keep both husband and wife
out of the way for a few hours; but whether Doria suspected the
intention he could not judge. Certainly Jenny did not. She welcomed
the excursion to Varenna, for her uncle's correspondent was a widow
lady and Jenny already knew her and valued her friendship.

Brendon arrived at Villa Pianezzo just as the twain were starting on