"Master Domenico," said I, "if you move so much as a step, I will
shoot you through the body."
The Genoese tugged at the chain on his breast and drew forth a
whistle. "Signore," he said quietly and with another side glance at
the Prince, "I do not know your name, but mine is Andrea Fornari, and
I command the Genoese garrison at Nonza. Having some inherited
knowledge of the Corsicans, and some fifty years' experience of my
own, I do not walk into traps. A dozen men of mine stand within call
here, at the back entrance, and my whistle will call me up another
fifty. Bearing this in mind, you will state your business as
peaceably as possible."
"Nevertheless," said I, "since I have taken a fancy--call it a whim,
if you will--that the door remains at least unbolted. . . ."
He shrugged his shoulders. "It will help you nothing."
"I am an Englishman," said I.
"Indeed? Well, I have heard before now that it will explain anything
and everything; but as yet my poor understanding scarcely stretches
it to cover your presence here."
"Faith, sir," I answered, "to put the matter briefly, I am here
because the Princess is here, whom I have followed--though without
her knowledge--because I guessed her to be walking into peril.
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