I did not bargain with such a death as awaits us here, and I frankly tell you that I have no stomach for it." "I begin to understand," murmured Cappoccio, sagely wagging his head, and there was a shrewd insolence in his tone and manner.

"When we leave Roccaleone you come with us ?" Gonzaga nodded.
"But why do you not say these things to Fortemani ?" questioned Cappoccio, still doubting.
"Fortemani!" echoed Gonzaga.

"By the Host, no! The man is bewitched by that plausible rogue, Francesco.

Far from resenting the fellow's treatment of him, he follows and obeys his every word, like the mean-spirited dog that he is." Again Cappoccio sought to scrutinise Gonzaga's face.

But the light was indifferent.
"Are you dealing with me fairly ?" he asked.