"Now go, and bring it to me in the yard.

Speed you, Peppino!" A look of understanding flashed up from the hunchback's eyes, and as he departed at a run Francesco hoisted the mighty sword to his shoulder as though its weight were that of a feather.

In that instant Valentina's white hand was laid upon the brassart that steeled his fore-arm.
"What will you do ?" she questioned, in a whisper, her eyes dilating with alarm.
"Stem the treachery of that rabble," he answered shortly.

"Stay you here, Madonna.

Fortemani and I will pacify them--or make an end of them." And so grimly did he say it that Gonzaga believed it to lie within his power.
"But you are mad!" she cried, and the fear in her eyes increased.