cannonade, which only results in the citadel answering it, and
that with very much more effect than the Spanish guns produce. May
I ask if you have any plan of getting in?"

"No, sir, we must decide upon that when we see how matters stand."

"Who is the we?" the colonel asked.

"Myself and my servant, who is a very sharp and intelligent lad
whom I can thoroughly trust. Alone I could do nothing, for I have
only picked up a few phrases in Italian yet, and should be detected
at once; so anything that has to be said must be said by him. May
I ask, sir, if the enemy are in force on the other side of the
bridge? if so, we must cross by swimming, either above or below
it."

"No; there was a regiment there until three days ago, but they
marched away, and no doubt formed a portion of Prince Thomas's
force. They know well enough that although our garrison can hold
the walls, we are not strong enough to undertake any enterprise."

"Then, sir, we have only to ask for an escort for a mile or so beyond
the other side of the bridge, in case a company should have been
left to watch the road. Beyond that we will dismount and proceed
on foot. We will, if you please, put on our disguises here, with
the exception of our hats, and perhaps you will lend us a couple
of long cloaks, so that our appearance may not be noticed. Although
we shall not start until after dark, it is as well to be upon
the safe side. Maybe the enemy have spies in the town, and were
it noticed that two young peasants rode out under the escort of