Page:In Maremma, by Ouida (vol 2).djvu/303

 A secret once disclosed is like a bird once loosed: who can say where it may go?

'Go, and take him with you,' added Sanctis, with a certain harshness in his tone, 'I shall not betray him, but these men, once they see him, will.'

'We had better stay,' urged Este. 'We have both daggers; we can do something'

'There must be nothing of that sort,' said Sanctis, with cold indifference. 'If blood were shed, the hue and cry would be out over the country and the guards here. The men will go when I speak to them.'

'It is the father of Zirlo!' said Musa between her teeth. 'I will wait—but go, go, go;—if the men of San Lionardo see you, the carabineers of Telamone will be here to-night.'

Sanctis laid a hand on her shoulder with an imperious gesture.

'Go out into the dark and hide—you and your friend—you have "the wisdom of the woods" you say; use it. When I sound this whistle three times it will be safe for you to return. Go; or you will have the men down on you—and him.'

A quick shudder of cold, like an ague,