Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1899-05-17
CHAPTER XIV.
GEORGE OF AMBOISE.

CHAPTER XIV.
GEORGE OF AMBOISE.
should mention that before retiring I
had obtained from the landlord good -sized
lanthorn, which had carefully filled with
oil and trimmed under my own eyes. Hold
ing this in my hand I 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 it's 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 had no
door, and would enable me at any time to
see to rush down quickly to the aid of
Jacopo, should he need it, debated short
while as to whether should undress for the
night; but so little did l like the looks of the
place, which was more like house of cal!
for braves than anything I had seen, that l
did nothing beyond removing my boots, and
finging myself as l was on the vile
truckle-bed in the room. I 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 sleep was
determined to have, as l had work for 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 l 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 shrill whistle, the
clash of swords, the kicking and plunging OF
the horses, and Jacopo's voice shouting out
my 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
accident than design 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 l recognized as Jacopo, was about to
follow, but l held him back by the shout
der, having no mind to run risks around
dark corners whilst I 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 it was noisy.
"When your worship RETIRED" said he,
''leaving the lanthorn to so conveniently
light up the stable entrance, I 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, or may be two passed, and then
/ heard voices outside, and some one swear
ing at the light. Oh no! says to myself,
there's night-hawk about, and [ remained
on the alert, not thinking it worth while to
give tongue then. After awhile the voices
dropped away-and, excellency, am sorry,
but | mist have slipped off into doze, and
beshrew me! if l did not dream / was
aboard that cursed ship again, and being
made to play pea-in- the-drun once more. I
therefore made haste to awaken, and as
opened my eyes heard cracking noise out
side. I 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 a bit. The
stones were clearly flung from outsideto see
if anyone was awake; but, of course, made
40 sign, and the next minute two men ap-
tpeared at the open entrance. gave whis-
tie to rouse your honor, and went at them at
once-and your excellency knows the rest. j."
In the morning my henchman was anxious
to know if l meant to take any steps with
regard to the attempt at robbery last night.
[ was well enough inclined, but determined
to 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 throats BY the
time finished breakfast, Jacopo, who had
already taken meal, had saddled the horses
and was holding them ready for our de-
parture. I 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 a
sling. As he was unwounded the evening
before, I made no doubt but that he was
one of the two who had visited us last night,
but said nothing, merely remarking, as I
paid my account, that the love of horseAesh
frequently brought people into trouble. He
did not seem to appreciate the remark, and
scowled at me, at which babe him BECOME,
and to thank his stars that his house was
tempt any reply, but skunk off, and, inward
ly resolving to clear out this nest Of scor-
pions from Rome at the first chance, rode
out OF the gate, followed by Jacopo, and we
directed our way towards the Ponte S. An.
cello. I had not the least idea where his
eminence OF Rouen was staying, but made
certain it would be somewhere in the Borgo,
and that once had reached the papal quar-,
ter 1 should find no difficulty in my search
for D'Amboise and in delivering to hin,
Mach;avelli's letter.
As went on began to feel nervous, in
spite of myself, as to what the results of my
interview with the cardinal would be, and
whether it would end in the further employ.
aaent, which the secretary had distinctly
mid it would. had no reason to doubt,