But the most formidable portion of his forces rolled into the field even as they watched.

It was heralded by a hoarse groaning of the wheels of bullock-carts to the number of ten, on each of which was borne a cannon.

Other carts followed with ammunition and victuals for the men encamped.
They looked on with interest at the busy scene that was toward, and as they watched they saw Guidobaldo ride into the heart of the camp, and dismount.

Then from out of a tent more roomy and imposing than the rest advanced the short, stout figure of Gian Maria, not to be recognised at that distance save by the keen eyes of Francesco that were familiar with his shape.
A groom held a horse for him and assisted him to mount, and then, attended by the same trumpeter that had escorted Guidobaldo, he rode forward towards the castle.

At the edge of the moat he halted, and at sight of Valentina and her company, he doffed his feathered hat, and bowed his straw-coloured head.
"Monna Valentina," he called, and when she stepped forth in answer, he raised his little, cruel eyes in a malicious glance and showed the round moon of his white face to be whiter even, than its wont--a pallor atrabilious and almost green.
"I am grieved that his Highness, your uncle, should not have prevailed with you.