The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-11-24

news to you this morning?" l answered.
with question, hazarding shot,
Ceci remained silent, and, drawing NV
conclusions, / 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, / know
too much. and it would be wise to be civil"
Not SAFE" and he laughed scornfully-
"who says I am not safe%"
Il do-remember the secretary has long
arms"
'"There are others who have longer, Messer
Donati, and dead tongue can tell no tales"
81 take your warning" l replied, and,
turning on my heel, sought my chamber to
await Machiavelli's messenger. l could not
help thinking had been wise to force the
conversation with the intendant as had
done, and was sure, now that Ceci and the
other conspirators were aware who had
spoiled their soup, they would devote lit
tie attention to me. 1t behooved me, there
fore, to wear a loose sword for the future,
and look well into corners before passed
them. l was not sure, moreover, whether
should still consider myself bound by my
promise of secrecy, now that had been as
much as told that the conspirators were like
ly to include me in their plans, and turn
their knives on ME. could well see that the
secretary would not be able to retaliate by
the open process OF the law against the at
tack made on him, considering the circum-
stances 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 rejecting heard the
gong in the yard below me strike II, and
shortly after heavy steps assembled the stairs,
with the sound of much putting and blowing
The new arrival stopped at my landing, and
knocked firmly at my door. Thinking it best
to be careful, l unsheathed my sword, and,
letting down the bolt, stepped back pace
before called out: Come in" The door
opened, and in walked my stout friend, who
had retreated SO rapidly from the braves at
the Marzocco.
''Messer Donati?' he said, with an inquir-
ing look.
''The same" 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 large handkerchief, "that cur
mudgeon downstairs, the intendant, fatty
refused to inform me where you were, until
I mentioned / came from the secretary"
"You mentioned that"
"Hes-or diavolo!-how was I to find
you? Let me tell you, sir, your consequence
was much increased thereby" he pulled
rather than spoke.
'1 do not doubt it," and marveled at
Machiavelli having selected this garrulous
fool to be the bearer of his letter.
Subsequently discovered that the secre-
tary did this deliberately, in order, if COM
plications arose, to be able to deny that he
had any hand in transaction in which an
obscure soldier like myself and notorious
old scamp like Buonoccorsi had borne part.
In fact, he very often adopted an artifice
such as this, namely, first sending public
dispatches solemnly by a known official of
state, and following them up at once by
secret letter, which either confirmed them,
or put quite different complexion on their
meaning; taking care to choose his messen-
gers in such a manner that he would have
nothing to fear from failure of theirs.
81 have come with letter for you" Blu
onoccorsi continued, and, pulling from
breast pocket a sealed but unaddressed
packet, he handed it to me. ellis excel
lency," he said, "tells me you know what to
do with this"
81 do" gave answer, and, examining the
seals carefully, put the letter in the pocket
of vest, which wore under my buff coat
Then that is done, " he replied, "and now,
signore, have you anything to drink-my
throat is like a lmekiln?"
Il am sorry have not, but if you will ac
company Inc 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 nights affair. "Man alive! if Flor
ence only knew what happened last night
the whole place would be in an uproar. 1t
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"
"Quite SO" and l rose with smile, "but
you must allow me to see that you cool that
lime-kiln of yours. I am only sorry must
ask you to come little way with me-"
ooh! l would 60 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. l 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 ne good day,
and we parted, not deeming it desirable to
be seen too much together in the streets,
and besides had much to do to get off by
the evening. l made up my mind to recover
the gold tart had pledged, and after that
to buy horse and quit Florence ct once
The tart itself l should have liked to
return, as l had promised, or rather said
in my anger last night that would; but
could see no way of doing this without at
tracing too much attention. On my way
to the pawnbroker's l kept my eyes well
open, and caught glimpse of the library
scribe, walking on the other side of the
road, engaged in conversation with a man,