Does not the by-word say that a fool makes little preparation for a journey ?" He nodded, and moved to a coffer, a beautiful piece of Venetian work in ultramarine and gold.

From this he took a heavy bag.
"There," said he, "you will find the best of all travelling companions." I thanked him, and set the bag on the crook of my left arm, and by its weight I knew how true he was to the notorious splendour of his race.
"And this," said he, "is a talisman that may serve to help you out of any evil plight, and open many a door that you may find locked." And he handed me a signet ring on which was graven the steer that is the emblem of the House of Borgia.
He raised aloft the hand on which was glistening the sacred amethyst--two fingers crooked and two erect.

Wondering what this should mean, I stared inquiry.
"Kneel," he bade me.

And realising what he would be about, I sank on to my knees whilst he murmured the Apostolic benediction over my bowed head.

The rushes of the floor were the only witnesses of the smile that crept to my lips at this sudden assumption of his churchly office by that most worldly prince..