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At about the sah the streets of Ro hi with

suspicious eyes every one he met He finally stopped before the backdoor

of a palace, and, after having satisfied hihtly knocked three tiri from his bosom and showed it to the porter

"Quick! conduct me to his excellency," said he

The Russian nodded his recognition of the token, and beckoned Cecil to

follow him After a short reflection, Cecil entered and the door was

closed

Guided by his conductor through a labyrinth of roo a little boudoir, whose

heavily-curtained s hardly ad Cecil to wait here, left him alone

In a few moments a concealed door was opened, and a th!" he said, on perceiving Cecil "I had begun to doubt your

coence, your

excellency," said Cecil

"And you bring it today?" quickly asked the unknown

"In an hour we leave Ro a loud cry of joy, the stranger walked the room in visible

colances, and, as he

still kept silence, Cecil said: "Your excellency, I have truly performed what you required of me I have

persuaded the count tohis opposition

to it, and, as you commanded, his ward remains behind in Rome, alone and

unprotected"

"Ah, you praise your acts because you desire your reward," said his

excellency, conte forth a