The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1899-10-18
CHAPTER VII.
THE GARDEN OF ST. MICHAEL.

On our way back Ceci was somewhat sepa-
rated from me, whether by accident or de-
sign, | cannot say. | did not quite regret
this, as | had made up my mind to see as
little as possible Of him for the future, think
ing he had repaid himself for his kindness
by the proposals he had made to me. In
eeed, ! may say | never sought his society
although, until he showed his hand, his visits
aud conversation gave me some pleasure, for,
Notwithstanding his position, he was we'll
informed man, who in the earlier part of
hls life, must have seen better days, and per
haps hoped to see them again, if his plot
succeeded. The words he had let Drop TO
the effect that the Medici would come back,
had given me hint as TO what that plot
was. 1t was evident that my old friend was
an active member Of the Bigi, or Grey Party,
in Florence, that were then working secretly
for the restoration of Lorcnzos sons Ii
seemed clear. too, that the attempt to be
made was to he directed against some very
eminent member of the state-perhaps the
Gonialonere himself, and | began. to, won
der II II was not my duty to lay the infor-
nation had before the Signory. ! could
net, however, reconcile this with my prom.
Use OF silence, and therefore my tongue was
tied. Still ! could not sit tamely by. and
bee a man murdered in cold blood, and de-
cided, therefore, to remain in Florence
somehow, and if possible avert the crime,
although it would interfere, no doubt, with
Inv rwn business. But one cannot always be
thinking of ones self. Perhaps also, though
not QuiIG conscious of it then, had some
idea OF again meeting the unknown lady of
the Gala procession, in whom, in spite OF my
seit, ] felt ] was taking too great an in
terest.
During the right ! had but little sleep,
Tor the affair Of the mad partisan Of the
Medici, and the declaration of war, had
reused She citizens to fever heat, and all
night long crowds thronged the streets,
their hoaIse shouts of ''Popolo! Popolo!"
wlDgliny with the incessant Changing Of the
warbe1, which itself was loud enough to
wake the dead. The next day, however,
resolved to take the bull by the horns, and
With a view to fill my purse, determined to
present myself before La Palisse, and offer
hiIa my sword. ] sailed out, therefore, find
ing the streets fairly empty, the all-night in
dlgnation meeting of the FloTentincs having
wearied them a little. Still, however, there
we're knots Of people here aud there. all in a
more or less excited condition. | was in no
particular hurry, and, taking a lesson from
the snail, went at a leisurely pace, and event
ually reached the headquarters Of La Palisse
which were in the Medicean palace, in the
Via Larga. The courtyard and entrance
hall were full Of soldiers, and evidently
active preparations for the campaign were in
progress, for there was a continuous stream
OF people going in and out. No one took any
notice of me, and holding up my cap in one
hand, and Strengthening the feather on it
with the fingers of the other, advanced I'M
questioned through the crowded rooms. In |
this manner | proceeded until came to a |
gallery, ON one flank of which there was a |
series Of windows overlooking the street; |
at the END Of the gallery hung purple cur
tain, covering, as it happened, an open door. |
On the curtain Itself was embroidered q |
crimson shield, bearing the pale of the |
Medlci. Before this ] was stopped by a |
young officer, who asked me my business, |
and | replied it was with La Palisse himself. |
''Impossibe!" he replied; you cannot
see the general"
why not, slgnore"
flush, man! You look old enough to I'M
derstand that orders are orders"
What Is it, DE Brienney" sharp voice
called out from within. The officer lifted |
the curtain, and went inside. ! was deter.
mined to gain an interview with the great
man, and had therefore said my business
was Of importance. The leanness of my
purse was my excuse for the subterfuge,
which ! subsequently regretted. as will be
seen further on. Shortly after DE Brienn
came out. well, meser-meser-"
"Donati," ! said.
well, Donati, the general will see you.
You may enter"
accordingly did so, and found myself in
The presence Of a short, thick set man, seat.
pI at a table, on which was spread a map,
over which he was looking intently. In n
,orner of the room lay his helmet and sword,
md he himself was in haf-ma, wearing a
Milartse corselet. on which was emblazoned
he red dragon Of his house. As his head
vac bent over the paper, could not at first
make out his features, and remained stand
ne patiently, Suddenly he lifted his face,
md looked at me with quick "Well-your
business, sir!"
was accustomed 10 strange sights, but
or the moment was startled, SO horribly dis
'gured was the man. The sight Of one eye
Vhs completely gone, and half bis face
POI ed as II a red hot gridiron had been
ressed against II. The other eye was intact,
nd twiRkled ierocioLsly under its bushy
ray eyebrow. ] recovered myself quickly,
nd made my request in as few words as pos.
ible. lie became enraged as | finished.
Iish'" he said. II thought your business
TEs .! importance. | can do nothing for
on, niy llst 10 full. You have gained admis-