In all Italy it was known to no man beyond us six that you were to meet us here, and with my hand upon the Gospels I could swear that not one of us has breathed of it." He looked round at his companions as if inviting them to bear out his words, and they were not slow to confirm what he had sworn, in terms as vehement as his own, until in the end the new-comer waved them into silence.
"Nor have I breathed it," he assured them, "for I respected your injunction, Messer Fabrizio.

Still--what did Masuccio there, hidden like a thief, by the roadside?
Sirs," he continued, in a slightly altered tone, "I know not to what end you have bidden me hither, but if aught of treason lurks in your designs, I cry you beware! The Duke has knowledge of it, or at least, suspicion.

If that spy was not set to watch for me, why, then, he was set to watch for all, that he may anon inform his master what men were present at this meeting." Fabrizio shrugged his shoulders in a contemptuous indifference which was voiced by his neighbour Ferrabraccio.
"Let him be informed," sneered the latter, a grim smile upon his rugged face.

"The knowledge will come to him too late." The new-comer threw back his head, and a look that was half wonder, half enlightenment gleamed in the black depths of his imperious eyes.

He took a deep breath.
"It would seem, sirs, that I was right," said he, with a touch of sternness, "and that treason is indeed your business." "My Lord of Aquila," Fabrizio answered him, "we are traitors to a man that we may remain faithful and loyal to a State." "What State ?" barked the Lord of Aquila contemptuously.
"The Duchy of Babbiano," came the answer.
"You would be false to the Duke that you may be faithful to the Duchy ?" he questioned, scorn running ever stronger in his voice.