The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1899-11-29
CHAPTER XIV.
GEORGE OF AMBOISE.

GEORGE OF AMBOISE.
! should mention that before retiring I
had obtained from the landlord a good sized
lsnthorn, which had carefully filled with
oil and trimmed under my own eyes. Hold
ing this in my hand ! assembled the ladder
leading to the chamber, or rather loft, was
to occupy, and on gaining my point placed
It on the floor, near the opening by which
the ladder led into the room, and so directed
the light that ITS glare passed downwards,
and up to the entrance Of the stables, leav.
ing the sides of the stables in darkness, al.
though my own room was bright enough.
This was a precautionary measure, as IT
would discover anyone attempting to come
in by the stable entrance, which bad no
door, and would enable me at any time 60
see to rush down quickly to the anl O.
Jacopo should he need il. debated 4 shor:
while as to whether should undress for the
night; but so little did like the looks of the
place, which was more like house of call
for braves than anything had seen, that
did nothing beyond removing my boots, and
hinging myself as | was on the vile
truckle-bed in the room. placed my
drawn sword at my side and sought
to sleep, struggling resolutely to get
this, DESPITE the legions OF inhabitants
the bed contained, who with one accord sal
lied forth to feast upon me. But slecr was
determined to have. as had work Tor to-
morrow, and, knowing Jacopo TO own sharp
eyes and quick ears, felt no scruple about
getting my rest, determining, however, TO
make it up the next day to my knave for his
vigil, which | was sure would be faithfully
kept. Finally, despite the attacks of my
enemies, / dropped off into light slumber,
which lasted for two or three hours, when
] was startled by hearing a shrill whistle, the
clSsh of swords, the kicking and plunging OF
ihe horses, and Jacopo's voice shouting out
Ly name. | woke up at once, with all my
wits about me. and on the instant ran down
the ladder, sword in hand, parrying more by
Incident thar design a cut that was made at
me by some one as descended.
As | touched the ground two men darted
out of the door and ran across the half
ruined yard in front of the stables. A third,
whom | recognized as Jacopo, was about to
follow, but | held him back by the shout
der, having no mind TO run risks around
dark corners whilst | had my letter to de-
liver. Jacopo yielded to me very unwilling
ly, and in an answer to my hurried inquiry
gave me an account Of the affair which had
been as brief as il was noisy.
when your worship retired" said he,
leaving the lanthorn to so conveniently
light up the stable entrance. had another
look at the horses, and then settled myself
down on that heap OF straw yonder, my back
TO the wall and my sword in my right hand
So an hour, OF may he two passed, and then
heard voices outside, and some Que swear
ing at the light. Oh ho says | to myself,
there's a night-h wk about, and remained
on the alert, not thinking II worth while TO
give tongue then. After awhile the voices |
dropped away-and, eXcellency, | am sorry, !
but must have slipped OFF into a doze, and |
beshrew me! il ] did not dream | was |
aboard that cursed ship again, and being |
made to play pea-in-the-drum once more. | I,
therefore made haste to awaken, and as ! |
opened my eyes heard cracking noise out, |
side. j rose slowly and crept towards the |
entrance, and just as ! reached within three |
feet OF it a handful of pebbles was thrown
in, and one OF the horses started bit. The |
stones were clearly flung from outside to see |
II anyone was awake; but, of course, ] made |
no sign, and the next minute two men APP |
peared at the open entrance. gave a whis- !
lie to rouse your honor, and went at them at |
ence-and your excellency knows the rest"
In the morning my henehman was anxious
TO know if ] meant to take any steps with
regard to the attempt at robbery last night.
l was well enough inclined, but determined |
10 let the matter rest until my business was
done, and for the present said would re-
main content with the satisfaction that we
had saved our steeds and threats. by the
time | finished breakfast, Jacopo, who had
already taken a meal, had saddled the horses
and was holding them ready for our de-
parture. | summoned mine host, but at first
could obtain no view of him. Finally on my
threat to depart without settling my score
he appeared with his arm bound up in
sling. As he was unwounded the evening
eelore, ! made no doubt but that he was
one OF the two who had visited US last night,
but said nothing, merely remarking, as !
paid my account, that the love Of horsefesh
brought people into trouble. lie
did not seem to appreciate the remark, and
scowled at me, at which babe him bcgone,
md to thank his stars that his house was
not pulled about his ears. lie did not at
tempt any reply, but skunk off, and, inward.
ly resolving to clear out this nest of seor-
pions from Rome at the FIRST chance, rode
gut OF the gate, followed by Jacopo, aud we
directed our wsy towards the Ponts S. An
,elo. | had not the least idea where his
fminenee Of Rouen was staying, but made
nsrtain it would be somewhere in the Borgo,
and that once had reached the papal quar-
ter should find no difficulty in my search;
for D'Amboise and in delivering to him
letter.
As | went on | began to feel nervous, in
'pite Of myself, as to what the results of my
Bterview with the cardinal would he, and
whether il would end in the further employ
nent, which the secretary had distinctly
aid It would. had son to doubt, !