BY ORDER OF THE CZAR. 47
with Anna in the street, and who had followed her through the Ghetto, over the bridge and out upon the plain much more briskly than his age and staff would have seemed possible.
" And with you, friend," said the count. " I had not observed you; where did you spring from?"
"Your attendants are out of hearing?"
" They are."
The old man uttered a password and gave a sign. The count, beckoning to an attendant, requested his retinue to ride into Czarovna, and await him at the house of Klosstock, the Jew*
" You were pitying ^.nna."
"The Queen of the Ghetto?" said the count. "Is it not so she is called?"
" By those who desire to compliment her and her fatner s position," said the old man, "yes; but to-day she is de- throned, and her kingdom is like to be in ruins. There is no time to stand on ceremony, Sir Count. I gave you a sign and a word."
" Well ? " " Is it well ? " said the old man.
" I am sorry for these Jewish people," said the count.
" You encourage me. You are sorry for your country also ? "
" Say on, but do not forget that the very trees and stones have ears and tongues in these days."
" And I will trust you," said the old man. " I am An- drea Ferrari. I bring messages for you if I think it wise to deliver them. The brethren did not quite know how to regard you."
" Since you have placed yourself in my hands, were I otherwise than their friend I respond to your trust confi- dence for confidence. You have had a narrow escape j your peril is by no means over."
