CHAPTER XI.
THE LETTER TO D'AMBOISE.
I could have thrown my cap over the housetops, I could have shoutedfor 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 theother through the clinking metal. There they lay! broad, shiningpieces of silver, flecked, here and again, with the mellower light ofgold. At one stroke, when my luck was apparently at its lowest ebb, ithad turned again, and was coming up in high tide. Not only this, I wasto go to Rome, the very place of all others where I was likely to meetD'Entrangues; and I breathed an impious prayer, that good angels mightsee he came to no hurt until we met, and even as I prayed the visionof that dying woman who forgave with her last breath, came before me.My hand shook so that I could barely hold the candle, and turningaway, I placed it on the table and went up to my window. Midnight waslong past and we were touching the morning. The only sound that brokethe stillness was the distant clang of the martinello, keeping up itsinsistent beat; but the wind was from me, and the chime came softenedto my ears. Already the east was whitening, and the moon was sinkingto rest. All the old half-formed resolutions I had made, to let myenemy's crime pass, to leave vengeance in the hands of God, came upand fought with the fierce desire that the apparent opportunity ofmeeting D'Entrangues again, had fanned into life. What had not thatman done to me? How could I forgive? We are all not framed in the sameway. A tender woman might condone what man would never pass over. Whyshould I not be the instrument of God's punishment on that man?Without Him nothing was possible, and if I succeeded in killingD'Entrangues would it not mean that the deed had his sanction? On theother hand, there were the words of Savonarola's text, and theforgiveness I had seen with mine own eyes. Tossed by doubt, nowresolved, now wavering--at one time certain I was right to be my ownlaw, at another encompassed by a terrible fear of sin--I did what allmen have to do at some time or other: I sank down on my knees, andwrestled with the temptation. I do not know what words of prayer Iused, 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 leaveD'Entrangues to the justice of God. And for my honour? I would win itback again, not in distant lands, but here--here, where it was takenfrom me, and then--what a fool I was! When my shield was white oncemore, I would sheathe my sword, rebuild our old castle in the SabineHills, and there, perhaps--oh! I dreamed mad things when that peacefell upon me. But there was such a prosaic matter as sleep, and I hadwork for the morrow, so I pulled myself together, and with a mind morecomfortable than for many a day, swept the coins into the bag, sawagain to the fastening of the door, and, seeking my bed, slept adreamful sleep until aroused by the cooing of my friends the pigeons.It was with a very different air that I went down the stairs thatmorning, and I realised, from contrast, how brave a heart a full pursecan make. I meant to have paid Ceci at once, but he was not in hisoffice, so I breakfasted in a leisurely manner, at the sign of theDouble Florin and then returned.
As soon as I reached the Albizzi Palace, I went straight to Ceci'soffice, and found him engaged in conversation with a man. The latterstarted when he saw me, and hurriedly took his departure; but notbefore 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 withthe memory of the end of my boot, and I had a mind to give him theday, but prudently held my tongue between my teeth. Ceci was lookingmuch disturbed and annoyed, and I laughed secretly to myself as Ithought that, after all, I had been the instrument of upsetting thepolitical 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 myaccount."
"It is of long standing," he replied, somewhat brusquely; but I wasnot going to lose my temper, as I had things to find out.
"All the more pleasure in receiving it," and placing a couple of goldpieces on the table, I received my quittance and change.
"Messer Ceci," I went on, "I leave Florence to-day and there has beenill blood between us--your making entirely. I cannot forget, however,that when I was ill you helped me much, and that in other ways youwere kind. Let us part friends--and, Messer Ceci, you are old. I wouldadvise 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 Florencewould have rung again."
"So your precious nephew brought the news to you this morning?" Ianswered with a question, hazarding a shot.
Ceci remained silent, and drawing my conclusions, I went on, "Had whatyou plotted succeeded, you would have been in a fair way to taste thearms of the rack. Even now you are not safe. You see, Ceci, I know toomuch, 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 tonguecan tell no tales."
"I take your warning," I replied, and, turning on my heel, sought mychamber to await Machiavelli's messenger. I could not help thinking Ihad been wise to force the conversation with the intendant as I haddone, and was sure, now that Ceci and the other conspirators wereaware who had spoiled their soup, they would devote a little attentionto 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 suremoreover whether I should still consider myself bound by my promise ofsecrecy, now that I had been as much as told that the conspiratorswere 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 bythe open process of the law, against the attack made on him,considering the circumstances under which it took place. That he woulddo so, however, under the mask, I felt sure, and he had receivedsufficient warning. Whilst thus reflecting I heard the gong in theyard below me strike twelve, and shortly after heavy steps ascendedthe stairs, with the sound of much puffing and blowing. The newarrival stopped at my landing, and knocked firmly at my door. Thinkingit best to be careful, I unsheathed my sword, and letting down thebolt, stepped back a pace before I called out, "Come in." The dooropened, and in walked my stout friend, who had retreated so rapidlyfrom 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 ascentto heaven for a sinner to reach you," and he mopped his face with alarge handkerchief, "that curmudgeon downstairs, the intendant, flatlyrefused to inform me where you were, until I mentioned I came from theSecretary."
"You mentioned that!"
"Yes--or _diavolo!_--how was I to find you? Let me tell you, sir, yourconsequence was much increased thereby," he puffed rather than spoke.
"I do not doubt it," and I marvelled at Machiavelli having selectedthis garrulous fool to be the bearer of his letter.
Subsequently I discovered that the Secretary did this deliberately, inorder, if complications arose, to be able to deny that he had any handin a transaction, in which an obscure soldier like myself, and anotorious old scamp like Buonoccorsi had borne part. In fact he veryoften adopted an artifice such as this, namely first sending publicdespatches solemnly by a known official of state, and following themup at once by a secret letter, which either confirmed them, or putquite a different complexion on their meaning; taking care to choosehis messengers in such a manner that he would have nothing to fearfrom failure of theirs.
"I have come with a letter for you," Buonoccorsi continued, andpulling from a breast pocket a sealed but unaddressed packet, hehanded it to me. "His excellency," he said, "tells me you know what todo with this."
"I do," I gave answer, and examining the seals carefully, put theletter in the pocket of a vest, which I wore under my buff-coat.
"Then that is done," he replied, "and now, signore, have you anythingto 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 burstin, as the red went out of his cheek at the very thought of lastnight's affair. "Man alive! if Florence only knew what happened lastnight, the whole place would be in an uproar. It was lucky forthe Secretary that you came to his aid, as I had to protect LaSirani--ladies first, you know--and could not help his excellency inany 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 meta like fate, had not La Sirani hung on my arm in her fright, so hemade off. I would have pursued, but, hampered with the lady, whatcould 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 Secretaryhas a fair wife, and they say Madonna Marietta possesses a tongue aswell as beauty. Apart from this, you must be aware, as a man of theworld----"
"Quite so," and I rose with a smile, "but you must allow me to seethat you cool that lime-kiln of yours. I am only sorry I must ask youto come a little way with me."
"Oh! I would go a long way for a can, Signor Donati, and will drinkone gladly to your health."
So saying he got up, and we went down and out into the street. I tookhim to my ordinary, "The Double Florin," and he took a long time inquenching 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 togetherin the streets, and besides I had much to do to get off by theevening. I made up my mind to recover the gold tari I had pledged, andafter that to buy a horse and quit Florence at once. The tari itself Ishould have liked to have returned, as I had promised, or rather saidin my anger last night that I would; but I could see no way of doingthis without attracting too much attention. On my way to thepawnbroker's I kept my eyes well open, and caught a glimpse of thelibrary scribe, walking on the other side of the road, engaged inconversation with a man, who, despite his common dress, had an air ofrank. The latter parted from Ceci's nephew almost as soon as I sawthem, and the scribe kept on in my direction. I saw he was againfollowing me, and regretted the mercy I had shown last night,resolving, if opportunity afforded again, to quiet his curiosity forsome time to come. I duly redeemed the tari, somewhat to the surpriseof the pawnbroker, whose pledges did not as a rule pass so swiftlyback into the hands of their rightful owners. On coming out of theshop, my follower was nowhere to be seen at first; but he soonappeared, always keeping on the opposite side of the road. I resolvednot to go back to my lodging, but to quit Florence the moment I hadsecured my horse. It was necessary however to provide some change ofattire. I did not intend to substitute a steel corslet for mybuff-coat, having a mind to fight my way back to fortune with nodefence but that over my heart, and contented myself with purchasing alight steel helmet, a pair of stout riding-boots, a cloak, and someother articles which could go into a small valise, capable of beingfastened 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 thehorse market, my shadow still keeping behind me, in his accustomedplace. Opposite the Baptistry I heard, to my surprise, some oneshouting my name, and looking in that direction, saw a man runningacross the pavement towards me. I recognised at once one of my lances,Jacopo Jacopi, a Lucchese, whom I had every reason to believe devotedto me. He had served with me at Fornovo and after; and although hesubsequently left me for a little time, on my joining the Venetianfleet against the Turks, he returned to my banner once more, when itwas 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 Donatinow--and what do you here?"
He looked a trifle embarrassed, as he replied, "I am seekingservice--I left the army when your excellency left."
Knowing the man to be a stout soldier, I decided on the instant whatto do.
"See here," I said, "I have no time to lose. Will you follow me oncemore? 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 assturn up his nose at a carrot? I will follow to the devil, let aloneRome, excellency, and at once if you will."
"Have you a horse?"
"Nothing, signore, but an arquebus and my sword, which I have at mylodging."
"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 wehurried on.
"We will have a hard task to get at Rome, now that the whole countryis up, signore," said Jacopo as we walked along.
"I have thought of that," I answered, "I propose to go by Leghorn, andtaking ship there, proceed to Rome by sea."
Jacopo gave such a groan at this, that I turned round in surprise, andbecame at once aware that my shadower had crossed the road, and comeso close up to us that he must have overheard every word of ourconversation. This was most annoying, and a disaster of which thefuture consequences might be most serious. I determined however to berid of him for the rest of my stay in Florence at any rate, andaddressed him sharply--
"Signore, I seem to have excited much curiosity in you. May I ask whatit is you want?"
He stood for a moment, at a loss for reply, and then said, "The roadis as free to me as to you."
"I admit that," I said; "but I object to your stopping to listen to myconversation, and therefore will be obliged by your passing on, unlessyou want a more severe punishment than you received last night."
He turned pale with anger, and slipped his hand into his vest; but assuddenly pulled it out again, and without another word hurried pastus.
"Mark that man, Jacopo;" I said, "wherever he is, there is danger forus."
"Your excellency has only to say the word," and Jacopo put his hand tohis belt.
"Not so, my friend. Florence is not a safe place for a man to use hisdagger 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 yousee him anywhere, tell me at once."
"It shall be so," he answered; "but who would inquire about a merecitizen like that?"
"Never mind, Jacopo; rest assured I know what I am about, and now tellme some news of the army."
"The duke is in full march on Perugia, and means to drive Cesarethence. The whole country is awake, as you know. The general, Ivesd'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 beforewar was declared again. It is said she has gone to the court of theking at Macon, and the escort was commanded by the Count CarloVisconti."
"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 thetrain of the duchess?"
"I am sure of that, excellency. I was with them as far as Siena, whenI took my leave."
So she had gone, and I felt a relief at the news. Once in France, shewould be safe with her family, and I was honestly glad she was out ofthe dangers of the time.
We now reached the horse market, and with some search discovered twolikely-looking animals, whose price was within the measure of mypurse. I could not afford to pick and choose to any great extent, but
for forty crowns became the owner--after a little trial, which showedthey were as sound as I could see--of two nags, one a bay, and theother a russet, with an off foot white above the pastern, an unluckycolour, and the white marking denoted devilty. But he was ashrewd-looking beast, and I kept him for myself, giving the bay toJacopo. Having paid on the spot for these, together with the necessarysaddlery, we rode to the shop where I had left my purchases, andcollected them. It was here that the idea struck me that there was anopportunity to keep my word, and return her gift to Madonna Angiola;therefore asking messer the shopkeeper for sealing-wax and someparchment, which he willingly supplied on a small payment, I carefullyfolded up the tari, and sealed up the packet. Taking it in my hand, Iwent out to Jacopo, who was holding the horses, and said--
"See here, Jacopo. Take this packet to the house of the secretaryMachiavelli. It lies in the ward San Spirito, near Santa Felicita, andcannot be missed. Deliver it into the hands of the Lady Angiola, saynothing, and come away. There is no reply needed, you follow?"
"Excellency."
"Right. Then after doing this you may dine, collect your arms, andmeet me in an hour and a-half at the San Frediano Gate. And you mightas well bring a feed for the horses with you. Stay, here are twocrowns."
"It shall be done, your worship. I know the Secretary's house, and therest is simple."
He mounted his horse, and trotted off; and reflecting that a chaffinchin a cage is better than a mavis in a bush, and that I might as welldine now whilst I had the chance, I swung myself into the saddle, andproceeded at a smart pace towards the Double Florin.
I had to cross the piazza of the Signory on my way there, and whilstdoing so came face to face with a riding party. It was composed ofseveral ladies and gentlemen, and amongst them was Machiavelli, whoglanced at me with a friendly twinkle in his eye, and gave me animperceptible nod of approval. Almost immediately behind him was oldIves d'Alegres, riding with a bolt upright seat, and making himselfagreeable, in his bear-like manner, to the Lady Angiola, who rodebeside him. There was no avoiding them, and yielding to a suddenimpulse I saluted as they came up. A look of contempt spread over thefeatures of the general, who made no response, and Madonna Angiolakept her eyes fixed before her, as if she had seen nothing. Theypassed by in a moment, leaving me speechless with anger, for owing tomy failure to preserve a disguise, I had allowed my beard to growagain, and D'Alegres without doubt recognised me. There was someexcuse perhaps for him; but none, I could think of, for her, and toadd to my chagrin, I thought that Jacopo would probably waste hours inawaiting her return. I let my horse out to a hand gallop,notwithstanding the pavement, and luckily doing no injury to any ofthe passers-by or to him, pulled up in a few minutes at the door of myordinary. Here, although I tried to eat, I was so angry that I couldonly trifle with my food, and raging within myself, I drank a fullmeasure of wine, swallowed such morsels as I could, and went to seeafter my horse. By my directions he had a light feed, and was beingrubbed down. As provision against accidents, I purchased a bottle ofChianti, together with a roast fowl and a loaf of white bread, andthese I placed in my saddle-bags. Then, seeing to the saddling of thehorse myself, I exchanged my velvet cap for the steel helmet, anddrawing my sword-belt in by a hole, sprang into the saddle, and wenton at a leisurely pace towards the San Frediano Gate. There was stillplenty of time, so I made no hurry, and indeed, when I reached thegate, the gong there boomed out five o'clock, leaving a half-hourstill to spare before Jacopo was due. I pulled up therefore at theside of the road, and dismounting, led my horse up and down. It waswhilst thus engaged, that I noticed a priest, mounted on a smart cob,trotting in the direction of the gate, and knowing that a misfortuneand a friar are seldom apart, I observed him narrowly as he passed. Hedrew his cowl, however, over his face, so that I could make nothing ofhim; but on reaching the gate he stopped to ask some questions of thesentry there, and the man, in raising his hand to salute, slightlystartled the horse, which threw back its head. This sudden movementmade the hood the rider wore fall back a little, but it was enough toenable me to see it was the library scribe, old Ceci's nephew; and Iaugured no good from this, resolving nevertheless to be on my guardmore than ever. The pretended priest received an answer to hisinquiry, and giving his benediction, in true sacerdotal manner, rodeoff at a pace that showed his seat on the library stool had notinterfered with his seat in the saddle. It was now fully the halfhour, 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, whenI 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 fullhour before she came back from riding, and the General d'Alegres waswith her."
"Did you give the packet?"
"I did, excellency. I rode up, asked who the Lady Angiola was, andpresented the packet, saying it was from the Cavaliere di Savelli, mymaster."
"Oh, glorious fool! Did I not tell you my name was Donati? Did I nottell you to say nothing, but merely give the packet into the lady'shands?"
"Body o' me, excellency! But there were so many about, my wits almostwent a wool-gathering. I gave madame the packet, however, and she tookit."
"Said anything?"
"Nothing, excellency--never a word."
There was no use crying over spilt milk, and cursing Jacopo in myheart for a muddle-headed fool, we started off. On reaching thesentry, I thought I might as well try and find out what the sham friarwas looking after. The man raised his hand in salute as I came up, andflinging him a crown I bade him drink to the health of the Signorytherewith.
"Marry! I will with pleasure, and yours, too, excellency," he said, ashe pocketed the money, evidently stirred by the amount.
"Instead of mine, drink to the health of my good friend the monk, whohas 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 surprisewith the question, and as it happened I hit my mark.
"In truth, excellency, the reverend father did inquire about a partyof five horsemen, who took the road to Leghorn about four o'clock thisafternoon. He doubted much if he could overtake them ere nightfall hesaid, and would have to ride hard."
I poised another crown on my finger absently. "Do you know any of theparty who went ahead?"
"No, excellency; but their leader was an old man with a long whitebeard, and I think I heard him addressed as Ceci. Excellency, the winewill 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, werode out at a gallop.
The Honour of Savelli: A Romance Page 12