part impossible. The man whom I felled, scrambled up, and attempted to

brain me with the butt of his pike as I went down; but Braccio struck

him senseless with the hilt of his sword, and this time he lay in a

huddled heap, quiet enough.

I besought Braccio to give me my parole, swearing on the faith of a

gentleman, on the honour of a Savelli, that I would not attempt

escape, and would go with him quietly, if I were but free from the

ignominy of the cords that bound me.

"Shut the cage door, keep your bird," he laughed brutally, "I have to

answer for you to-morrow, and I weigh the faith of a gentleman, and

the honour--God save the mark--of a Savelli, as _that_," he snapped

his fingers, "when it comes to a consideration of Braccio

Fortebraccio's head. So your knighthood must even go as you are, with

my love-knots on you. Here, two of you, take charge of this tent, and

see after Arnulf there--I never thought his skull so thin--march!"

And in this manner was I led out, two men in front of me, two behind,

one on either hand, all with their weapons ready, whilst the provost

himself brought up the rear, with his drawn sword in one hand and a

lighted torch in the other. Not that light was needed, for the moon

had risen, and was in its full. I believe, however, that Braccio held

the torch, so that the additional light might the more clearly show

who his prisoner was, and I hung down my head as, with quick steps, we

marched to the military prison.

"_Qui vive la_," the challenge rang out crisply, and on the instant

the provost replied, "France and Tremouille."

"Pass on," and the sentry, one of Bucicault's arquebusiers, looked at

us curiously as we went by. And now, to add to my shame, we met, face

to face, a group of late revellers returning to the camp.

"_Diable!_" called out a gay voice, "our respectable provost is at

work I see. What have you got there, Braccio?"

I shuddered, for I recognised Bellegarde, a young noble of the Franche

Compte, who had come to seek glory in the Italian war.

"Close up, men--another of my strayed lambs brought back to the fold,

Viscompte--pardon me--it is late, and I must hurry on."

But Bellegarde was merry with wine. "Not till you have drunk our

health," he laughed, barring the way with his drawn rapier, as he

added, "Lowenthal here has a skin of wine from the Rhineland, have a

pull at it, man, and let us see the prisoner."

"_Blitzen!_ Der brisoner first, he will hang pefore der herr brovost,"

and the half-drunk Lanzknecht thrust his wine-skin towards me.

"Gentlemen--gentlemen! have you a care! See here, Viscompte," and

Braccio whispered to Bellegarde.

"My God!" said the latter; and then hastily, "Come on, Lowenthal! Let

them go."

"Let der brisoner drink. Would you debrife a boor man of his liquor?"

replied Lowenthal, and to hide my face, I seized the skin, and raised

it to my lips. Even Braccio held the torch away, and Von Lowenthal

failed to recognise me in the half-light. My throat was red-hot with

thirst, and sick as I was with shame, I drank greedily, and handed the

wine-skin back to the German.

"_Blitzen!_" he said, giving it a shake, "you drink like an honest

man. Now, herr brovost, a health to Germany, in honest German wine.

What! No! Then drink to der halter, man, and Lowenthal will knight

you," swaying to and fro, he attempted to draw his sword.

Matters were at a crisis, for Braccio was not to be trifled with any

longer. At this juncture, Bellegarde and the others with him again

intervened, and dragged Von Lowenthal away. The provost instantly

pressed forwards with a hurried good-night. We did not go so fast,

however, as not to perceive, from the noises behind us, that the

Lanzknecht had subsided to earth, and was apparently abandoned there,

with his wine-skin, by his companions. The sound of his voice, engaged

in a drunken monologue, reached us.

"Der rascal Braccio, der knight of der noose und halter. I will gif

him der accolade. I----" But we lost the rest as we hurried on, the

guards smiling to themselves, and Braccio very ill-tempered.

In a few paces we passed D'Alegres' headquarters, and through an open

window, I saw half-a-dozen of my late companions playing at dice, and

heard Hawkwood's bass calling the mains. A few steps more brought us

to our point, a fortified wing of the Villa Accolti itself, and

Braccio, thrusting me into a strong room, turned the key of the door,

and with a gruff order, which I did not catch, walked away. Now,

indeed, was I in a distressful state, and the agony of my mind so

great, that I heeded not the pain of the cords, but paced up and down

like any caged animal. I fully recognised that I was the victim of a

deeply laid plot on the part of D'Entrangues, and saw clearly that I

was completely in his hands. It was a stroke of genius on his part,

not to interfere in any way to save his creature, the wretched Tarbes.

That hasty order of D'Alegres had removed the only danger of his

scheme being laid bare. I tried to think out some plan of action; but

to no purpose, for my mind was altogether confused and bewildered, and

I was incapable of thought. The room in which I was confined was bare

of all furniture, not even a camp-stool. There was only one window,

and that, iron-grated, was set high up, near the ceiling. The

moonlight straggled through the grating in long white ribbons, and

dimly showed up the walls around me. Hour after hour passed away. I

could hear the occasional barking of dogs, the distant cries of the

sentinels as they called to one another, and the sound of the guard

being relieved at my door. Then the moon sank and the morning came.

From sheer weariness I threw myself on the floor, and fell into a

troubled sleep, from which I was aroused by the cords biting into my

flesh. This, and the constrained position in which my arms were held,

gave me torture. I attempted by shouting to attract the attention of

the sentinel over me; but though I heard the clod tramping up and

down, I received no answer.

At length, about the sixth hour, I made another effort to get some one

to hear me. I fortunately chose a moment when the guards were being

visited. After a short discussion outside, an under-officer entered

the cell. I begged him to free me from the cords, pointing out that

escape was impossible, swearing that I would not attempt it, and ended

by offering him five crowns for the good office. He hesitated at

first, but either pity for my condition, or the bait of the crowns

moved the man, for he freed me with a touch of his dagger, and for

another five crowns I obtained from him the promise of procuring for

me a change of attire from my tent. I had, hidden in a belt, worn

under my shirt, thirty crowns, and this I reached with some

difficulty, owing to the stiffness of my arms, and paid him the money.

I specially begged he would get for me a pair of Spanish leather

boots, that were lying in my quarters, for the sole of one of my

_contigie_ had come off during the struggle of last night. The honest

fellow promised to do his best, and shortly returned with the articles

I wanted, and in addition brought me some food and a cup of wine, for

which he refused all payment, saying that I had treated him generously

enough. To eat was out of the question, but the wine was grateful,

and, after drinking it, I devoted myself to putting my attire in

order. And here I may mention an odd circumstance, to wit, that my

gold cross of St. Lazare, which I wore pinned to my breast at the

supper, had by some chance remained intact, despite the struggle I had

gone through, and was still hanging in its place by a shred of the

ribbon. I carefully unfastened it, and placed it for security in my

belt. To me it seemed an omen of fortune, this lost little tag of

honour which clung to me. I succeeded indifferently well in arranging

my dress, and so passed a full hour. Heavens! when I recall that

night, although more was to befall me, I do not think I ever endured

such misery; nor has the noiseless file of time ever been able to

eradicate the memory of those hours.

At about noon Braccio entered the cell. He raged beyond measure at

finding me loosed of my bonds, and insisted at first on securing me

again. I shrewdly suspected, however, that Messer Braccio was a trifle

afraid of the consequences of his violence the night before, and that

his furious language was in this case but bluster. I showed a bold

front therefore, and the under-officer putting in a word for me, the

provost gave in with apparent reluctance. He informed me that my

affair was to be dealt with by the duke in person, and that I should

make ready to go with him. I replied that I was prepared to go at

once, and without more ado was escorted to the main building of the

villa. I could see that a considerable crowd was collected, and from

the litters and riding-horses that were being led to and fro,

perceived that some ladies had heard the news, and were come to

gratify their curiosity at my expense, and see such trial as I was to

undergo. I was led into the great hall, which was full of people, and

in the gallery above the dais saw, amongst other ladies, the Duchesse

de la Tremouille, and by her side Madame d'Entrangues. The latter kept

her eyes down, and fanned herself with a fan of peacock feathers,

which, even at that moment, I was able to recognise as my gift. On the

dais was a table with seats set about it, which were as yet empty. At

the steps of the dais stood D'Entrangues, and beside him a small man

cloaked in a sad-coloured mantle, with a keen, cleanly-shaven face,

and watchful eyes. He held in his hand a small packet, and surveyed me

with no little interest. D'Entrangues did not meet my look, and his

hang-dog face was turned towards the doorway immediately opposite to

him. In a moment or so that door was opened, and the duke entered,

talking earnestly with a cavalier of a most gracious and distinguished

presence. Tremouille himself was a small, slightly-built man, of

features in no way remarkable; but redeemed in some part by the alert

intelligence of his glance. In early life he had met with an accident

which left him lame ever after. Yet he was a good horseman and of a

constitution that nothing could tire. As for his companion, his face

was then strange to me; but in after times when I was admitted to his

intimacy and honoured with his friendship, I came to know him as great

beyond all men; and this I do not say in gratitude for the debt I owe

him; but simply to add my humble testimony to that of others, his

companions-in-arms, and equals in station, who with one consent allow

him to be the glory of his age, and of knighthood. Immediately behind

Tremouille came D'Alegres and Trevulzio, who had raised himself to his

present high position, and was a most capable soldier. These four took

their seats at the table, and the numerous and brilliant staff of

officers who accompanied them ranged themselves behind. From the

manner in which the stranger took his seat, I gathered, and I was not

mistaken, that he was there as one of my judges, and for the moment I

wondered who he was. That he was of the highest rank was clear from

his aspect and bearing, and from the fact that he wore round his

neck the collar of the Holy Ghost. The proceedings of this public

court-martial began at once. It is needless to set them down in full

detail. D'Entrangues stated his case, D'Alegres briefly set forth the

action taken by him, and Visconti and Hawkwood testified to having

found their property in my possession, under the circumstances already

explained. I will do them the justice to say that they did so with

evident and genuine reluctance. Tremouille, who had doubtless heard

all this before, listened patiently to the end, and then asked me what

I had to say. What could I say? I looked at the faces around me and

saw no sympathy. I looked up at the gallery where the ladies sat, and

caught a whisper:

"I do not care--I know it is false; he is not guilty."

The words gave me courage. The charge was false. As false as hell.

Then I found tongue. I asked if it were possible that I, a noble,

whose career had hitherto been blameless, could have suddenly become

so vile as to sink to common theft? I pointed out my long years of

service, and called D'Alegres and Trevulzio, under whose banners I had

served, to witness if they had ever known me sully my honour.

"It is known, M. di Savelli, that you are hard put for money," said

Tremouille.

I admitted the fact, and also admitted that at the time I stood there

I owed money lost at play; but that the sum did not amount to more

than fifty crowns, and there was twice that amount due to me from the

military chest. I then went on to point out how unlikely it was that,

even if I had stolen the jewels, I should have hoarded them up and not

turned them into money, for which I allowed I was pressed, and wound

up by saying I was the victim of a conspiracy, and that I was prepared

to assert my honour, man to man, against D'Entrangues, or any other

who would take up his cause.

"What say you, my lord of Bayard?" and Tremouille turned to the

stranger who sat beside him. Even whilst waiting for his answer, and

on the cross with anxiety as I was, I could not help looking with the

greatest interest at the man. This then was the celebrated Pierre du

Terrail, the noblest knight in Christendom. Vague rumours that he was

about to join the army of Tremouille, with a high command, had

reached us. But we had merely looked upon them as rumours. And now he

had come, apparently suddenly, and without warning. I felt sure that

he brought war with him, but had no more time to think, for he

answered--"A fair offer--M. d'Entrangues can do no less than accept."

But Trevulzio then cut in, pointing out, that practically the case was

proved. That to allow me the ordeal by combat would upset all the

course of military discipline, under which he thought the matter

should be decided. Even if the ordeal of battle was allowed, and I

won, it would not prove my innocence in the face of the damning

evidence against me.

"If there is any shadow of doubt, your excellency," and D'Entrangues

advanced to the table, "this will clear it up. Messer Vieri, kindly

hand that package to the duke."

The man whom he addressed, who was no other than he whom I had

remarked, on entering the justice room as D'Entrangues' companion,

stepped forward and placed the packet before Tremouille, who opened it

amidst a dead silence.

"Messer Vieri, how did you obtain this?" asked Tremouille.

"The matter is simple, excellency," replied the banker, "but first may

I ask if madame the duchess recognises the trinket?"

The circlet was handed to the duchess, who said in a low voice--

"It is mine: it was stolen from me a month ago--on the seventh of

March."

"On the eighth of March a packet was delivered to me at my house of

business by one Tarbes, calling himself servant to the Cavaliere di

Savelli. He did not know the contents of the parcel; but it was sent

to me for safe keeping by his master, so he said. I gave him a receipt

for it. I myself did not know what the nature of the packet was until

to-day; but hearing the charges preferred against the cavaliere, I

opened the case and at once recognised madame's circlet, which I have

the pleasure to restore."

"How did you come to hear these charges against the Cavaliere di

Savelli?" asked Bayard.

"I was informed of them by the knight, Messer d'Entrangues."

"That is to say, M. d'Entrangues must have known that the jewels were

pledged to you. Is this not odd?"

It was a straw of hope that floated to me, and I could scarcely

breathe. D'Entrangues, however, replied boldly, "I was told of the

matter by one Tarbes, a servant to M. di Savelli."

"You forget to add," I burst out, "that he was a creature of yours,

whom I employed on your recommendation."

D'Entrangues made no reply, and Bayard said, "M. d'Entrangues appears

to have usurped the functions of the provost and played catchpole.

Could we not see this Tarbes?"

"Call Tarbes," said the duke.

Braccio came forward and explained that he had been dealt with

summarily, under the orders of the lieutenant-general.

"Mine!" said D'Alegres in astonishment.

"Yes, excellency, he was the prisoner whom your excellency ordered me

to hang last night."

"A pity," remarked the duke, and Trevulzio, between whom and D'Alegres

there was little love, smiled.

"I suppose you have nothing to say to this?" said Tremouille to me.

"I was not in the camp on the seventh."

"Where were you?"

But this question I could not answer for I caught Madame d'Entrangues'

eye imploring me to silence. I looked back at the duke, and as I did

so felt that Bayard had followed my glance, and that his eyes were

resting on madame's face. He glanced down almost as soon as I did and

turned to me, and there was a grave encouragement in his look from

which I took heart. To me it was a great thing to show I was not at or

near the camp on the seventh; and yet if I did so I would ruin a

woman's name. It had been a harmless frolic, I swear this, as I know I

will come to judgment before a higher tribunal than that of man; and

yet had I spoken there would have been but one construction. I hated

D'Entrangues, too, and this would have struck at a vital part. For a

second I hesitated, and looked up once more at madame. She was pale as

death.

I looked at Bayard, and his glance seemed to penetrate my thoughts.

"I cannot say!"

There was a sound of a gasping sigh, and a heavy fall. The peacock fan

fluttered slowly down from the gallery to my feet, and lay there with

its hundred eyes staring at me.

"This ruins you," exclaimed D'Alegres.

"Think again before you reply," said the duke: "I will give you time."

"I thank your excellency; but I have no further answer."

Tremouille shrugged his shoulders with a disappointed air, and dropped

his chin between his clasped hands, his elbows resting on the table, a

favourite position of his. Whilst he was thus considering, Bayard was

whispering earnestly to Trevulzio, and the old soldier seemed to

assent, and his hard face almost softened as he looked at me. They

then turned their gaze on D'Entrangues, and Trevulzio, with a shake of

his head, noted something briefly on a slip of paper and passed it on

to D'Alegres. The lieutenant-general looked surprised; but after a

moment nodded assent, and in his turn passed the paper on to the duke,

saying "I agree." Tremouille read the paper slowly, and then they

consulted together in low tones.

And now, in a few brief words I heard my sentence, and it was carried

out at once. Braccio himself hacked off my spurs, my sword was brought

in and solemnly broken, and I was warned to leave the camp within an

hour, on pain of being hanged as a thief. Such property as I had was

declared confiscate, and the men of my _condotta_ were to be enrolled,

by force if necessary, under another banner. How I went through it all

I do not know. I cannot say how I passed down that great hall with the

eyes of all fixed on me, a dishonoured man, an outcast, and a leper.

One thing, however, did happen. Whilst the sentence was being carried

out, Tremouille sat apparently absorbed in thought. When the provost

broke my sword he rose to leave the room, and as he passed

D'Entrangues the duke stopped.

"Monsieur," he said, "you have mistaken your vocation. His majesty

does not desire his officers to be thief-hunters. For such talents as

yours you will doubtless find room elsewhere, and I have to tell you

that the king--my master--regrets he has no further need of your

services."