And Francesco, if he could not disprove it, could at least contradict it.
"Believe it not," he cried, with a scornful laugh.

"I tell you that Gian Maria will never dare so much.

And if he did, are these walls that will crumble at a few cannon-shots?
Assault he might attempt; but I need not tell a soldier that twenty men who are stout and resolute, as I will believe you are for all your craven words, could hold so strong a place as this against the assault of twenty times the men the Duke has with him.

And for the rest, if you think I tell you more than I believe myself, I ask you to remember how I am included in Gian Maria's threat.
I am but a soldier like you, and such risks as are yours are mine as well.

Do you see any sign of faltering in me, any sign of doubting the issue, or any fear of a rope that shall touch me no more than it shall touch you?
There, Cappoccio! A less merciful provost would have hanged you for your words--for they reek of sedition.