CHAPTER XI.

THE LETTER TO D'AMBOISE.

I could have thrown my cap over the housetops, I could have shouted

for joy, as I saw the coins spread out before me. I stooped over them,

holding the candle aloft in one hand, whilst I ran the fingers of the

other through the clinking metal. There they lay! broad, shining

pieces of silver, flecked, here and again, with the mellower light of

gold. At one stroke, when my luck was apparently at its lowest ebb, it

had turned again, and was coming up in high tide. Not only this, I was

to go to Rome, the very place of all others where I was likely to meet

D'Entrangues; and I breathed an impious prayer, that good angels might

see he came to no hurt until we met, and even as I prayed the vision

of that dying woman who forgave with her last breath, came before me.

My hand shook so that I could barely hold the candle, and turning

away, I placed it on the table and went up to my window. Midnight was

long past and we were touching the morning. The only sound that broke

the stillness was the distant clang of the martinello, keeping up its

insistent beat; but the wind was from me, and the chime came softened

to my ears. Already the east was whitening, and the moon was sinking

to rest. All the old half-formed resolutions I had made, to let my

enemy's crime pass, to leave vengeance in the hands of God, came up

and fought with the fierce desire that the apparent opportunity of

meeting D'Entrangues again, had fanned into life. What had not that

man done to me? How could I forgive? We are all not framed in the same

way. A tender woman might condone what man would never pass over. Why

should I not be the instrument of God's punishment on that man?

Without Him nothing was possible, and if I succeeded in killing

D'Entrangues would it not mean that the deed had his sanction? On the

other hand, there were the words of Savonarola's text, and the

forgiveness I had seen with mine own eyes. Tossed by doubt, now

resolved, now wavering--at one time certain I was right to be my own

law, at another encompassed by a terrible fear of sin--I did what all

men have to do at some time or other: I sank down on my knees, and

wrestled with the temptation. I do not know what words of prayer I

used, or how long I was there; but I can say this, that when I rose,

my mind was at rest, and I had won a fight with myself. I would leave

D'Entrangues to the justice of God. And for my honour? I would win it

back again, not in distant lands, but here--here, where it was taken

from me, and then--what a fool I was! When my shield was white once

more, I would sheathe my sword, rebuild our old castle in the Sabine

Hills, and there, perhaps--oh! I dreamed mad things when that peace

fell upon me. But there was such a prosaic matter as sleep, and I had

work for the morrow, so I pulled myself together, and with a mind more

comfortable than for many a day, swept the coins into the bag, saw

again to the fastening of the door, and, seeking my bed, slept a

dreamful sleep until aroused by the cooing of my friends the pigeons.

It was with a very different air that I went down the stairs that

morning, and I realised, from contrast, how brave a heart a full purse

can make. I meant to have paid Ceci at once, but he was not in his

office, so I breakfasted in a leisurely manner, at the sign of the

Double Florin and then returned.

As soon as I reached the Albizzi Palace, I went straight to Ceci's

office, and found him engaged in conversation with a man. The latter

started when he saw me, and hurriedly took his departure; but not

before I recognised in him Ceci's nephew, and my shadow of last night.

He gave me no friendly look as he went out; perhaps he was sore with

the memory of the end of my boot, and I had a mind to give him the

day, but prudently held my tongue between my teeth. Ceci was looking

much disturbed and annoyed, and I laughed secretly to myself as I

thought that, after all, I had been the instrument of upsetting the

political plot to murder, in which the old conspirator had a share.

"A good day to you, Messer Ceci," I said. "I have come to settle my

account."

"It is of long standing," he replied, somewhat brusquely; but I was

not going to lose my temper, as I had things to find out.

"All the more pleasure in receiving it," and placing a couple of gold

pieces on the table, I received my quittance and change.

"Messer Ceci," I went on, "I leave Florence to-day and there has been

ill blood between us--your making entirely. I cannot forget, however,

that when I was ill you helped me much, and that in other ways you

were kind. Let us part friends--and, Messer Ceci, you are old. I would

advise you to let matters of state alone."

He looked at me, and the corners of his mouth hardened, as he said,

"Leave me and my age alone, Messer Donati. If it was not for you,

there would have been a deed done last night at which all Florence

would have rung again."

"So your precious nephew brought the news to you this morning?" I

answered with a question, hazarding a shot.

Ceci remained silent, and drawing my conclusions, I went on, "Had what

you plotted succeeded, you would have been in a fair way to taste the

arms of the rack. Even now you are not safe. You see, Ceci, I know too

much, and it would be wise to be civil."

"Not safe," and he laughed scornfully--"who says I am not safe?"

"I do--remember the Secretary has long arms."

"There are others who have longer, Messer Donati, and a dead tongue

can tell no tales."

"I take your warning," I replied, and, turning on my heel, sought my

chamber to await Machiavelli's messenger. I could not help thinking I

had been wise to force the conversation with the intendant as I had

done, and was sure, now that Ceci and the other conspirators were

aware who had spoiled their soup, they would devote a little attention

to me. It behooved me therefore to wear a loose sword for the future,

and look well into corners before I passed them. I was not sure

moreover whether I should still consider myself bound by my promise of

secrecy, now that I had been as much as told that the conspirators

were likely to include me in their plans, and turn their knives on me.

I could well see that the Secretary would not be able to retaliate by

the open process of the law, against the attack made on him,

considering the circumstances under which it took place. That he would

do so, however, under the mask, I felt sure, and he had received

sufficient warning. Whilst thus reflecting I heard the gong in the

yard below me strike twelve, and shortly after heavy steps ascended

the stairs, with the sound of much puffing and blowing. The new

arrival stopped at my landing, and knocked firmly at my door. Thinking

it best to be careful, I unsheathed my sword, and letting down the

bolt, stepped back a pace before I called out, "Come in." The door

opened, and in walked my stout friend, who had retreated so rapidly

from the bravos at the Marzocco.

"Messer Donati?" he said with an inquiring look.

"The same," I bowed, and offered him a chair.

"The devil!" he exclaimed, sinking into it, "but it is like an ascent

to heaven for a sinner to reach you," and he mopped his face with a

large handkerchief, "that curmudgeon downstairs, the intendant, flatly

refused to inform me where you were, until I mentioned I came from the

Secretary."

"You mentioned that!"

"Yes--or _diavolo!_--how was I to find you? Let me tell you, sir, your

consequence was much increased thereby," he puffed rather than spoke.

"I do not doubt it," and I marvelled at Machiavelli having selected

this garrulous fool to be the bearer of his letter.

Subsequently I discovered that the Secretary did this deliberately, in

order, if complications arose, to be able to deny that he had any hand

in a transaction, in which an obscure soldier like myself, and a

notorious old scamp like Buonoccorsi had borne part. In fact he very

often adopted an artifice such as this, namely first sending public

despatches solemnly by a known official of state, and following them

up at once by a secret letter, which either confirmed them, or put

quite a different complexion on their meaning; taking care to choose

his messengers in such a manner that he would have nothing to fear

from failure of theirs.

"I have come with a letter for you," Buonoccorsi continued, and

pulling from a breast pocket a sealed but unaddressed packet, he

handed it to me. "His excellency," he said, "tells me you know what to

do with this."

"I do," I gave answer, and examining the seals carefully, put the

letter in the pocket of a vest, which I wore under my buff-coat.

"Then that is done," he replied, "and now, signore, have you anything

to drink--my throat is like a limekiln?"

"I am sorry I have not, but if you will accompany me to the Marzocco."

"The Marzocco! Blood of St. John! No more Marzoccos for me," he burst

in, as the red went out of his cheek at the very thought of last

night's affair. "Man alive! if Florence only knew what happened last

night, the whole place would be in an uproar. It was lucky for

the Secretary that you came to his aid, as I had to protect La

Sirani--ladies first, you know--and could not help his excellency in

any way."

"I see," I replied.

"Oh!" he went on, "there were three others in the street, but

_presto!_ I disarmed one, pinked another, and the third would have met

a like fate, had not La Sirani hung on my arm in her fright, so he

made off. I would have pursued, but, hampered with the lady, what

could I do?"

"And is not Florence to know what happened last night?" I asked.

He winked his eye, and replied--

"Between you and me, Messer Donati, I think not. You see the Secretary

has a fair wife, and they say Madonna Marietta possesses a tongue as

well as beauty. Apart from this, you must be aware, as a man of the

world----"

"Quite so," and I rose with a smile, "but you must allow me to see

that you cool that lime-kiln of yours. I am only sorry I must ask you

to come a little way with me."

"Oh! I would go a long way for a can, Signor Donati, and will drink

one gladly to your health."

So saying he got up, and we went down and out into the street. I took

him to my ordinary, "The Double Florin," and he took a long time in

quenching his thirst. When at last he had done, he wished me good day,

and we parted, not deeming it desirable to be seen too much together

in the streets, and besides I had much to do to get off by the

evening. I made up my mind to recover the gold tari I had pledged, and

after that to buy a horse and quit Florence at once. The tari itself I

should have liked to have returned, as I had promised, or rather said

in my anger last night that I would; but I could see no way of doing

this without attracting too much attention. On my way to the

pawnbroker's I kept my eyes well open, and caught a glimpse of the

library scribe, walking on the other side of the road, engaged in

conversation with a man, who, despite his common dress, had an air of

rank. The latter parted from Ceci's nephew almost as soon as I saw

them, and the scribe kept on in my direction. I saw he was again

following me, and regretted the mercy I had shown last night,

resolving, if opportunity afforded again, to quiet his curiosity for

some time to come. I duly redeemed the tari, somewhat to the surprise

of the pawnbroker, whose pledges did not as a rule pass so swiftly

back into the hands of their rightful owners. On coming out of the

shop, my follower was nowhere to be seen at first; but he soon

appeared, always keeping on the opposite side of the road. I resolved

not to go back to my lodging, but to quit Florence the moment I had

secured my horse. It was necessary however to provide some change of

attire. I did not intend to substitute a steel corslet for my

buff-coat, having a mind to fight my way back to fortune with no

defence but that over my heart, and contented myself with purchasing a

light steel helmet, a pair of stout riding-boots, a cloak, and some

other articles which could go into a small valise, capable of being

fastened on to the back of a saddle. These I left at the vendor's,

promising to call for them in an hour or so, and hurried towards the

horse market, my shadow still keeping behind me, in his accustomed

place. Opposite the Baptistry I heard, to my surprise, some one

shouting my name, and looking in that direction, saw a man running

across the pavement towards me. I recognised at once one of my lances,

Jacopo Jacopi, a Lucchese, whom I had every reason to believe devoted

to me. He had served with me at Fornovo and after; and although he

subsequently left me for a little time, on my joining the Venetian

fleet against the Turks, he returned to my banner once more, when it

was spread on firm ground, and had always proved a devoted follower.

He came now to me with joy on his face, shouting out, "Ah, excellency!

It is I, who am a glad man to see you."

"Jacopi," I exclaimed, "but my name is no longer Savelli. It is Donati

now--and what do you here?"

He looked a trifle embarrassed, as he replied, "I am seeking

service--I left the army when your excellency left."

Knowing the man to be a stout soldier, I decided on the instant what

to do.

"See here," I said, "I have no time to lose. Will you follow me once

more? I am bound to Rome on an urgent affair, and leave to-day."

"Will a dog sniff at a bone? Will a cat pass by cream? Will an ass

turn up his nose at a carrot? I will follow to the devil, let alone

Rome, excellency, and at once if you will."

"Have you a horse?"

"Nothing, signore, but an arquebus and my sword, which I have at my

lodging."

"Then come with me, we must buy two horses, and leave at once."

"I am ready, your worship," and taking his place a little behind me we

hurried on.

"We will have a hard task to get at Rome, now that the whole country

is up, signore," said Jacopo as we walked along.

"I have thought of that," I answered, "I propose to go by Leghorn, and

taking ship there, proceed to Rome by sea."

Jacopo gave such a groan at this, that I turned round in surprise, and

became at once aware that my shadower had crossed the road, and come

so close up to us that he must have overheard every word of our

conversation. This was most annoying, and a disaster of which the

future consequences might be most serious. I determined however to be

rid of him for the rest of my stay in Florence at any rate, and

addressed him sharply--

"Signore, I seem to have excited much curiosity in you. May I ask what

it is you want?"

He stood for a moment, at a loss for reply, and then said, "The road

is as free to me as to you."

"I admit that," I said; "but I object to your stopping to listen to my

conversation, and therefore will be obliged by your passing on, unless

you want a more severe punishment than you received last night."

He turned pale with anger, and slipped his hand into his vest; but as

suddenly pulled it out again, and without another word hurried past

us.

"Mark that man, Jacopo;" I said, "wherever he is, there is danger for

us."

"Your excellency has only to say the word," and Jacopo put his hand to

his belt.

"Not so, my friend. Florence is not a safe place for a man to use his

dagger in broad daylight, unless covered by the cloak of a great man.

Besides it is not to my taste. Merely keep your eyes open, and if you

see him anywhere, tell me at once."

"It shall be so," he answered; "but who would inquire about a mere

citizen like that?"

"Never mind, Jacopo; rest assured I know what I am about, and now tell

me some news of the army."

"The duke is in full march on Perugia, and means to drive Cesare

thence. The whole country is awake, as you know. The general, Ives

d'Alegres, is come on a mission to Florence."

"Ives d'Alegres here!"

"Yes, excellency, and the Lord of Bayard has hurried to Rome."

"Then this means something that I cannot follow."

"Nor can I explain, excellency."

"And tell me, has the Duchesse de la Tremouille gone back to France?"

"Yes, by sea from Leghorn, with a great train of ladies, just before

war was declared again. It is said she has gone to the court of the

king at Macon, and the escort was commanded by the Count Carlo

Visconti."

"Do you know any who went with her?"

"Nearly all the ladies who were at Arezzo, for the duke, it is said,

would have none of them, now that war was begun again."

I had to come to the question direct, "Was Madame d'Entrangues in the

train of the duchess?"

"I am sure of that, excellency. I was with them as far as Siena, when

I took my leave."

So she had gone, and I felt a relief at the news. Once in France, she

would be safe with her family, and I was honestly glad she was out of

the dangers of the time.

We now reached the horse market, and with some search discovered two

likely-looking animals, whose price was within the measure of my

purse. I could not afford to pick and choose to any great extent, but

for forty crowns became the owner--after a little trial, which showed

they were as sound as I could see--of two nags, one a bay, and the

other a russet, with an off foot white above the pastern, an unlucky

colour, and the white marking denoted devilty. But he was a

shrewd-looking beast, and I kept him for myself, giving the bay to

Jacopo. Having paid on the spot for these, together with the necessary

saddlery, we rode to the shop where I had left my purchases, and

collected them. It was here that the idea struck me that there was an

opportunity to keep my word, and return her gift to Madonna Angiola;

therefore asking messer the shopkeeper for sealing-wax and some

parchment, which he willingly supplied on a small payment, I carefully

folded up the tari, and sealed up the packet. Taking it in my hand, I

went out to Jacopo, who was holding the horses, and said--

"See here, Jacopo. Take this packet to the house of the secretary

Machiavelli. It lies in the ward San Spirito, near Santa Felicita, and

cannot be missed. Deliver it into the hands of the Lady Angiola, say

nothing, and come away. There is no reply needed, you follow?"

"Excellency."

"Right. Then after doing this you may dine, collect your arms, and

meet me in an hour and a-half at the San Frediano Gate. And you might

as well bring a feed for the horses with you. Stay, here are two

crowns."

"It shall be done, your worship. I know the Secretary's house, and the

rest is simple."

He mounted his horse, and trotted off; and reflecting that a chaffinch

in a cage is better than a mavis in a bush, and that I might as well

dine now whilst I had the chance, I swung myself into the saddle, and

proceeded at a smart pace towards the Double Florin.

I had to cross the piazza of the Signory on my way there, and whilst

doing so came face to face with a riding party. It was composed of

several ladies and gentlemen, and amongst them was Machiavelli, who

glanced at me with a friendly twinkle in his eye, and gave me an

imperceptible nod of approval. Almost immediately behind him was old

Ives d'Alegres, riding with a bolt upright seat, and making himself

agreeable, in his bear-like manner, to the Lady Angiola, who rode

beside him. There was no avoiding them, and yielding to a sudden

impulse I saluted as they came up. A look of contempt spread over the

features of the general, who made no response, and Madonna Angiola

kept her eyes fixed before her, as if she had seen nothing. They

passed by in a moment, leaving me speechless with anger, for owing to

my failure to preserve a disguise, I had allowed my beard to grow

again, and D'Alegres without doubt recognised me. There was some

excuse perhaps for him; but none, I could think of, for her, and to

add to my chagrin, I thought that Jacopo would probably waste hours in

awaiting her return. I let my horse out to a hand gallop,

notwithstanding the pavement, and luckily doing no injury to any of

the passers-by or to him, pulled up in a few minutes at the door of my

ordinary. Here, although I tried to eat, I was so angry that I could

only trifle with my food, and raging within myself, I drank a full

measure of wine, swallowed such morsels as I could, and went to see

after my horse. By my directions he had a light feed, and was being

rubbed down. As provision against accidents, I purchased a bottle of

Chianti, together with a roast fowl and a loaf of white bread, and

these I placed in my saddle-bags. Then, seeing to the saddling of the

horse myself, I exchanged my velvet cap for the steel helmet, and

drawing my sword-belt in by a hole, sprang into the saddle, and went

on at a leisurely pace towards the San Frediano Gate. There was still

plenty of time, so I made no hurry, and indeed, when I reached the

gate, the gong there boomed out five o'clock, leaving a half-hour

still to spare before Jacopo was due. I pulled up therefore at the

side of the road, and dismounting, led my horse up and down. It was

whilst thus engaged, that I noticed a priest, mounted on a smart cob,

trotting in the direction of the gate, and knowing that a misfortune

and a friar are seldom apart, I observed him narrowly as he passed. He

drew his cowl, however, over his face, so that I could make nothing of

him; but on reaching the gate he stopped to ask some questions of the

sentry there, and the man, in raising his hand to salute, slightly

startled the horse, which threw back its head. This sudden movement

made the hood the rider wore fall back a little, but it was enough to

enable me to see it was the library scribe, old Ceci's nephew; and I

augured no good from this, resolving nevertheless to be on my guard

more than ever. The pretended priest received an answer to his

inquiry, and giving his benediction, in true sacerdotal manner, rode

off at a pace that showed his seat on the library stool had not

interfered with his seat in the saddle. It was now fully the half

hour, and yet Jacopo did not come. I waited until the gong struck six,

and was just about to ride off, leaving a message with the guard, when

I saw him approaching.

"Make haste," I cried as I mounted, "you are late."

"Pardon, excellency! But the lady was not there. I had to wait a full

hour before she came back from riding, and the General d'Alegres was

with her."

"Did you give the packet?"

"I did, excellency. I rode up, asked who the Lady Angiola was, and

presented the packet, saying it was from the Cavaliere di Savelli, my

master."

"Oh, glorious fool! Did I not tell you my name was Donati? Did I not

tell you to say nothing, but merely give the packet into the lady's

hands?"

"Body o' me, excellency! But there were so many about, my wits almost

went a wool-gathering. I gave madame the packet, however, and she took

it."

"Said anything?"

"Nothing, excellency--never a word."

There was no use crying over spilt milk, and cursing Jacopo in my

heart for a muddle-headed fool, we started off. On reaching the

sentry, I thought I might as well try and find out what the sham friar

was looking after. The man raised his hand in salute as I came up, and

flinging him a crown I bade him drink to the health of the Signory

therewith.

"Marry! I will with pleasure, and yours, too, excellency," he said, as

he pocketed the money, evidently stirred by the amount.

"Instead of mine, drink to the health of my good friend the monk, who

has just gone on. Can you tell me if he inquired for any one here?"

I relied on the simplicity of the man, and on taking him by surprise

with the question, and as it happened I hit my mark.

"In truth, excellency, the reverend father did inquire about a party

of five horsemen, who took the road to Leghorn about four o'clock this

afternoon. He doubted much if he could overtake them ere nightfall he

said, and would have to ride hard."

I poised another crown on my finger absently. "Do you know any of the

party who went ahead?"

"No, excellency; but their leader was an old man with a long white

beard, and I think I heard him addressed as Ceci. Excellency, the wine

will flow to-night--a hundred thanks."

I dropped the crown into his palm, moving him to his closing words.

"Come on, Jacopo. It grows late," and setting spurs to our horses, we

rode out at a gallop.