The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-12
TALES OF A TRAVELLER

Speaking of the fascination which the life of a Soldier of Fortune" has exerted upon the pen of Richard Harding Davls recalls the romance which surrounds the soldier of fortune of the olden time. At the present day, the part is played for the mere collaboration and charm of the life; but centuries ago, such soldiers en- saged on the side of the highest bidder, and while the danger to life was not great, spells were plentiful and the life was 6 merry one. Two of the most fa- nous soldiers of fortune date back to those distant days, when the Fifteenth century had just begun, and through all the continent there was nothing heard but the chatter of mail and the tread of the warehouse
 The Italian world was, as usual, in state of great conflict, and Carmagnola the first of the two, plays romantic and highly dramatic part in the events of the day While still q mere lad, Carmagnoa caught the vagrant fancy of Faeino Cane a successful general in the employ of the Duke of Milan. Carmagnola's military genius was also allowed full scope and was soon noted as man born to be something beyound the ordinary level
 
 youth he became deeply attached to the young son of the Duke; at least. we must believe so, for upon this genius attachment rests Carmagnolas only ex- onoration. Just at this time. Gioranni, the old Duke of Milan, died, and his eld- est son, Clan Maria. a feeble and vicious youth, succeeded his. Immediately the towers of Lombardy sprang into reyoiu- tion. By strong fatality. the elder brother was assassinated in Milan on the very same day that Facino Cane. the free-lance general of the Lombard forces. died. The affairs of the house of Viconti were in this woeful plight when Philip, the young son of the old Duke of Milan claimed the ducal throne.
 His boyhood friend the popular young captain, Carmagnola, espoused the prince's cause and by an equally sudden leap he became the leader of Philips forces. At this time, Carmagnola was scarcely twenty-two but he possessed the ready insight to perceive the vast oppor- tunity which belonged to the successful soldier of fortune So he took Milan for the duke killed an ilegitlmate rival, overcame all rival factions within the city, aud later. as commander-in-chief of the Duke of Milans forces. reconque-ed one by one the revolted cities of Lom- bardy.
 
 The services thus rendered were large and iberally rewarded. Carmagnola married kinswoman of Philips, and the prvilge of bearing the name of viconti and the arms of the reigning house was conferred upon him. In less than twelve years after he had thrown in his fate with the prince, he was not only comman- der-in-chief of all the troops but held a high place at court. and was ono of the chief and most trusted of Philips coun- selors. He reached the pinnacle of his fame when he overthrow Genoa, superb est of northern towns, and the equal and rival of the great republic of Venice. for the duke. But the tenure of favorite's favor Is always uncertain, and many at court resented the power and authority of the peasant soldier of fortune.
 Numberless affronts were now offered the great general by Philip, and affairs hurried on to a dramatic climax The duke was at a frontier fortress on the borders of Piedmont. when he sent de- mand for the squadron of horsemen.