"
"But why," he insisted, his surprise increasing, "do you urge such a
course upon us?"
"Because, Cappoccio," was the plausible reply, "like yourselves, I was
lured into this business by insidious misrepresentations. The assurances
that I gave Fortemani, and with which he enrolled you into his service,
were those that had been given to me. 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. "Or does some deeper purpose
lie under your wish that we should rebel against the lady?"
"My friend," answered Gonzaga, "do you but wait until Gian Maria's herald
comes for his answer in the morning. Then you will learn again the terms
on which your lives are offered you. Do nothing until then. But when
you hear yourselves threatened with the rope and the wheel, bethink you
of what course you will be best advised in pursuing.
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