The San Francisco call., 1907-06-09
CHAPTER FoURTEEN-oontipued

1T was evening before visconti re-
turned. weary from his survey OF his
men. victorious after q fierce skir-
mish with some OF yerona's merce-
naries, LED by Mastino's trusted Captain
Roccia-
The palace that TIL then had lain
so quiet was suddenly wild confusion.
a babel of noises. shouts and trampiing
of horses.
Strange, faring lights were thrown
across the courtyard; the torches flung
ragged, struggling rays upon the sides
Of the palace, falling grotesquely on
the grifins that grinned either side of
the arched door, failing across the long
rows of straight windows, and. for a
second. on Valentine viscontrs pale
face, looking eagerly below.
Dogs OF VcroRcser' cried Visconti.
turning his wild eyes toward the pris-
oners. They have cost US a wild hour
And he had been in the thick or it:
his rich srmor was dented. the en-
hroidered surtout torn to rags. Wis
contTs blood was Up. In fight even
the Torriani could not say he lacked
anything save prudence.
without slighting he took from his
head his ponderous helmet with the
viper crest and gave 1t TO his page.
we have given Roccla a taste or our
quality" he laughed. and pulled his
gauntIets Of. Where is De Lanai"
II am here lord" said Giannotto.
lie stood at the dukes saddle. look
ing around him in confusion.
What news. Gisnnotto?' cried Wis
oontL Thy pallid face seems too ready
TO welcome me. Let me dismount."
Hear me FIRST" entreated the secre-
tsry, before you dismount--before
anythins-lord,'
Quick with thy news then-stand
back. De Lana, must hear this rogue.
Giannotto drew closer.
Ny lord. at noon today, Rinaita, the
Tuscan captain. rode in While Roccia
was engaging you, some mercenaries
forced one of the gates, and before they
could be driven back, q house was
broken into. some prisoners made
The duke fixed his widening eyes
upon the speaker. and Giannotto shrsnk.
What gateg' he asked. What
house2 What prisoners"
The western gate, lord, and Agnolo
Nistarninrs house."
With 8 sound OF fury visconti struck
At his secretary violently with the ends
OF his bride.
And I was not told before,''
1t was held too small q fray. lord.
said the secretary. Gould I tell my
Lady Valentine one gate was moro 10
YOU than another? ! besought her 10
send TO you-I besouRht them all
could I tell them why?"
Even as he spoke De Lana rode up
resoluteiy.
More men are needed at the western
Sate,T he said; the Germans have re-
turned. VIII lead them"
MAJ cried NiSconti: 81, De Lana"
The soldier looked surprised.
You. lord? There Is no need
dercely. AT once. to the western
gate"
At his cry the soldiers flung them
selves again into the saddle, and those
who still sat their horses gathered Up
their reins.
Your helmet, lord" cried the startled
squire; but Nisconu swept him aside
and rushed bareheaded forward. De
Lana and his troop of horsemen after
him in a wild riot of sound and light.
Giaunotto stood bewildered in the
doorway nothing left OF the wild
tumult that had filed the spaces save
cchoing shouts and tr2mping hoofs-
''Nisconti is mad he thought He
has ridden of almost unarmed. Now
7 wonder what may happen before he
returns from the western gate--the
night is dark and-dangerous.
And with thoughtful glance up at
1fofr5v zlrU (.fannoff0 slowly with.
drew