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"No! The lord cardinal had lent this bravo to the celebrated

improvisatrice Corilla--the order came from her"

"It is well!" said the count "Do you know all the bravi in Roood friends"

"Well, now listen to what I have to say to you You must hold the life

of the Princess Tartaroff as sacred as your own! Know that she is no

moment unwatched; that wherever she appears she is surrounded by secret

protectors Whoever touches her is lost--my arm will reach him! Say that

to your friends, and tell them that the Russian count keeps his word

Four thousand sequins are yours in four weeks, if until then the

princess et not my

words!"

"Ah, these words, your excellency, are worth four thousand sequins, and

these one does not so easily forget!" said the bandit, leaving the roo, and ordered his private secretary, Stephano, to be

called

"Stephano," said the count to him, "the first step is taken toward the

accoed

my word for it to the empress, and who can say that Alexis Orloff ever

failed to redeem his word? This princess isRome, and she has no one to protect her!"