The Winslow mail., 1900-04-05
copyright. 1895. by p. Appleton & Co
All rights reserved.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE GIFT OF BAYARD.

The levee lasted some little time, as d Am
boise, who was studious of the arts of gain
ing popularity, listened with apparent in
terest to anyone who chose to address him,
and seemed to possess wonderful memory
for even the most trifing details. This was,
in fact, an informal reception, which the car
dinal, both as a prince of the church, and
the representative of France at the Papal
Court, held daily, and hither came all the
lesser members of the French party in
Rome, and all those who hoped to gain
something from the prelate by the simple
process of asking, for D. Amboise was known
to be generous and free, despite an occasion
al testiness of manner, such as he had ex-
hibited to Corte, and shown in the first in
stance to st. Armande.
Corte | spoke to no more that day, but
saw him, where he had retreated to the ex-
treme end of the room, his book under his
arm, evidently waiting to make his exit. st.
Armande took his place beside me, his COM
panion, the able, dropping into the rear
Once he, st. Armande, hazarded a remark,
which did not catch, and therefore did not
answer. In truth, | was in no mood for
speaking, my mind being full of my eventful
interview with the cardinal and Bayard, and
| was more than grateful for the happy
chance that had enabled me to draw my
sword in aid of the secretary, Machiavelli
thought, too, of Nine. D D'Entrangues, and
of what she had done in my behalf, and
would have given much to have thanked her
for her efforts, fruitless although they ap-
parently were. But what struck me most
of all was the fact that whilst in my misery
at Florence l was upbraiding fate, and all
but cursing God, friends were at work, try
ing to help and aid me, and this taught me
lesson.
At last the levee came to an end. The last
petition monger had made his request,
D'Amboise had made his last pleasant
speech, and, turning slowly round, we
made our way back, when the cardinal re-
tired with Bayard to an inner apartment,
leaving us to our own devices. st. Ar
mande, whose appearance attracted genera.
attention, was surrounded by the gentlemen
of the suite, who asked the last news OF the
court, and the last scandal of Macon, where
Louis was, holding high revelry, instead of
marching, as he should have done, at once
to Italy, after the defeat of Cesare at Fos-
sombrone. The result of his action being
further truce that much delayed his success,
and indeed very nearly ruined his chances,
which were great at the time. AS for me,
was left to myself, one coming near me
except the huge hound, which rose slowly,
and, approaching, surveyed me with grave
interest Then, apparently satisfied, he
wagged his tan In approval and touched my
hand with his grim muzzle. | ran my lin
gers over his shaggy coat with caressing
motion, and, observing Defaure, the page
whom 1 had first addressed on arriving,
begged him to show me my apartments, in
curing at the same time of Jacopo and the
horses
THE house is full, signore,'' he replied,
but we have do1le what we could for your
accommodation. The horses have been at
tended to, and the Sergt. Jacopo awaits you
in your rooms"
Thanks, FRIEND" and / followed him,
smiling a little to myself at the French rank
which Jacopo had assumed, no doubt out Of
compliment to our host, my new employer.
We passed out by the same entrance by
which had come in, and, crossing a court
yard, the page ushered me to a set of apart
ments in an outbuilding, and left me with
the information that dinner would be served
at noon for the cardinal as well as the gen.
tlemen of the suite
found Jacopo in high glee. He had set
out all my apparel, and was engaged in bur.
nishing his sword This he put down as I
came in, and burst into speech.
BLOOD of st. John! Excellency, but did
1 not say luck would turn? Yesterday we
were anywhere" and he held up both hands
with the fingers outstretched, to-day, be-
hold!" and he waved his arms around the
room, which was certainly fitted with lux
ury, and struck me as all the more luxurious
after my past privations.
THE horses, Jacopo?"
"Are we'll as might be, signore, and MUNICH
ing their corn as if they were never to have
another feed. Does your excellency mean to
stay long in this land of plenty?"
mot for long, Jacopo. And harkee! Re-
member not TO address me by any other
name than that of Donati. Do not let hint
of my real name escape you, and avoid bab-
bling over the wine cup"
81 will be dumb, excellency."
"a good deal depends on your prudence
in this, and you must take care not to fail.
Now to business, and keep your ears open
and your head clear. How do we stand as
regards funds"
Jacopo, to whom l had intrusted my
money, pulled out leather purse and count
ed the contents.
There are ive-and-thrty crowns with
me, signore, and five | gave your worship
this morning, making 30 in ALL" and he re-
stored the purse to its hiding place under his
belt
Enough for our needs at present, and
more will be Forthcoming soon, for there is
business in hand"
Il said that luck would turn" repeated
Jacopo, his face showing Joy at the news.
Never mind the luck, but attend to me.
want 10 enlist half dozen good men, men
who will go anywhere and do anything.
hey must bring their own arms and horses,
and will engage them for month, and pay
'ach man five crowns"
Il lat is at the rate of 60 crowns year
lor each man. We could enlist half Rome
for that"
Probably, but it isn't half Rome, only
half dozen men | want
Very true, your worship, and / will
doubtless be able to find them; but, excel
lency-"
What is it?
Six men at five crowns each makes 60
crowns. and"
did | not say more will be Forthcoming?
You need not pay them in advance. Two
crowns each on enlisting, and the remainder
IN completion of the task. Will that do?"
1t is enough, surely"
Very well, then you ma. Aet about this
at once, and remember that they should be
lodged close at hand, and be ready To 60 any
where at moments notice"
"Ezcellency."
Whilst this conversation was going on
had effected such change in attire
was possible, resolving to take the first
portuniiy the following day to summon a
BSE[aIIll GIG IGlOaIH9 Qat 60 su1umou It