There he rummaged until he had found the pen, ink and paper that he sought, and with the door wide open--the better that he might hear the sound of approaching steps--he set himself feverishly to write.
It was soon done, and he stood up, waving the sheet to dry the ink.

Then he looked it over again, and this is what he had written: "I have it in my power to stir the garrison to mutiny and to throw open the gates of Roccaleone.

Thus shall the castle fall immediately into your hands, and you shall have a proof of how little I am in sympathy with this rebellion of Monna Valentina's.

What terms do you offer me if I accomplish this?
Answer me now, and by the same means as I am employing, but dispatch not your answer if I show myself upon the ramparts.
"ROMEO GONZAGA." He folded the paper, and on the back he wrote the superscription--"To the High and Mighty Duke of Babbiano." Then opening a large chest that stood against the wall, he rummaged a moment, and at last withdrew an arbalest quarrel.

About the body of this he tied his note.