Later: I endorse the last words written, but this time there is no doubt in question. I shall not fear to sleep in any place where he is not. I have placed the crucifix over the head of my bed, I imagine that my rest is thus freer from dreams, and there it shall remain.

When he left me I went to my room. After a little while, not hearing any sound, I came out and went up the stone stair to where I could look out towards the South. In the soft light the distant hills became melted, and the shadows in the valleys and gorges of velvety blackness. There was peace and comfort in every breath I drew. As I leaned from the window my eye was caught by something moving where the windows of the Count's own room looked out. The window at which I stood was tall and deep, and though weatherworn, was still complete. I drew back behind the stonework, and looked carefully out.

What I saw was the Count's head coming out from the window. I did not see the face, but I knew the man by the neck and the movement of his back and arms. In any case I could not mistake the hands which I had had some many opportunities of studying. I was at first interested and somewhat amused, for it is wonderful how small a matter will interest and amuse a man when he is a prisoner.

Vocabulary:

Endorse: Confirm something is true
Gorge: A long , deep hole in the ground'
Velvet: Soft, dark cloth
Weatherworn: Damaged by many years of wind and rain