Then Brendon heard Assunta
answer and in a moment there followed a horrified exclamation from
the younger woman.
But Brendon had descended the steps to meet the approaching boat.
His mind was still in a whirl of mingled emotions. Above him, as he
steadied the boat, stood Jenny and she spoke swiftly.
"He is not in the house! Oh, come quickly if that is Mr. Ganns. My
uncle has gone across the water and my husband has not returned."
Peter, with four men, quickly landed and Brendon spoke. He could
give no details, however, and Jenny furnished them. While she and
Mark sat in the garden, guarding the front door and front gate,
behind them to the house there had come a message by boat for Mr.
Redmayne from Bellagio. Perhaps there was but one appeal powerful
enough to make Albert forget his promises or the danger that he had
been assured now threatened him; but it was precisely this demand
which had made the old man hasten away.
Assunta told them how an Italian had reached the steps in a skiff
from Bellagio; how he had called her and broken the evil news that
Signor Poggi was fallen dangerously ill; and how he sent entreaties
to his friends to see him without delay.
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