We have heard the terms that were offered, and his rejection of them, and I am come to tell you, Ser Ercole, and you, Messer Gonzaga, that I for one will not remain here to be hanged when Roccaleone shall fall into the hands of Gian Maria.

And there are others of my comrades who are of the same mind." Valentina looked at the rugged, determined features of the man, and fear for the first time stole into her heart and was reflected on her countenance.

She was half-turning to Gonzaga, to vent upon him some of the bitterness of her humour--for him she accounted to blame--when once again Francesco came to the rescue.
"Now, shame on you, Cappoccio, for a paltry hind! Are these words for the ears of a besieged and sorely harassed lady, craven ?" "I am no craven," the man answered hoarsely, his face flushing under the whip of Francesco's scorn.

"Out in the open I will take my chances, and fight in any cause that pays me.

But this is not my trade--this waiting for the death of a trapped rat." Francesco met his eyes steadily for a moment, then glanced at the other men, to the number of a half-score or so--all, in fact, whom the duties he had apportioned them did not hold elsewhere.