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Thus speaking, he returned to the soldiers, and in a low tone exchanged

some words with their leader The latter bowed respectfully, and at his

signal the soldiers shut the gate and retired into the street

"Am I to be detained here as a prisoner?" exclaiarden?"

"Your grace, preliarden as your own

property," he respectfully responded "I am commanded to watch that no

one dare to disturb you here, and for this purpose oodness to peruardian of your safety"

"And who is this generous man?" asked Natalie

"He is a man who has made a solemn vow to protect innocence everywhere,

when he finds it threatened!" solemnly responded Joseph Ribas "He is

a man who is ready to shed his blood for the Princess Tartaroff, who

is surrounded by eneers; a man," he continued, in a lower

tone, "who knows and loves your friend and guardian, Count Paulo, and

will soon bring you secret and sure news from him!"

"He knows Count Paulo!" joyfully exclaimed Natalie "Oh, then all is

well I may safely confide in whoever knows and loves Count Paulo, for

heto Joseph Ribas with a char smile, she said, "Sir, lead

ladly follow you!"

"Let us, first of all, go into the villa, and send away those