"That flashed through my mind at once, Paolo; but at present neither
file, rope, nor disguise would be of any use. However, they may
be so later. The first thing for you to do when you get this pass
will be to make yourself master of the plan of the town and the
fortifications, and see if there is any place where you think an
escape is possible. But even when you find one, and you think that
it might be managed, you must afterwards find a place where I can
be hidden for a time, at any rate for a few hours. You see, were
I to go out in disguise I must do so in broad daylight, for my
supper is served almost directly after the gates are closed; and
were I missing there would be a search for me at once, the sentries
on the wall would all be warned, and it would be impossible to get
past them. If I could get out two or three hours before the gates
are closed at nine o'clock I might, as soon as it became dark,
attempt to get over the walls before the alarm was given, or
I might possibly go out in the same disguise that I left here in,
through the city gate and across the bridge."

"I see that, sir, and it seems to me that this would be easier
than trying to find a hiding place for you in the town. However,
I will set my wits to work. I have been able to think of nothing
in here; but one's eyes always help one's wits, and if I were in
the town I might see something that would give me an idea how the
matter might be set about."

Day after day Paolo went into the town, always returning discouraged.

"I must be growing a downright numbskull," he said one evening in
disgust; "I have been three weeks at it and no single idea has
come to me."