This Aventano, a youth who had been partly educated for the Church, but had fallen from that lofty purpose, now stood forward and took the letter.

He scrutinised it, read it aloud, and pronounced it genuine.
"Whom is it addressed to ?" demanded Cappoccio.
"Nay, nay!" cried Francesco.

"What need for that ?" "Let be," Cappoccio answered, almost fiercely.

"If you would have us remain in Roccaleone, let be.

Aventano, tell me." "To Messer Romeo Gonzaga," answered the youth, in a voice of wonder.
So evil a light leapt to Cappoccio's eye that Francesco carried his free hand to the sword which he had lowered.