Adventure Magazine Cover — page 163: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE WAY OF SINNERS himself, ‘‘then at least forced to seek safety outside the duchy’s boundaries, in such sort that—it would be inadvisable for thee to return?” 6c Aye.” “H’m,” says he, “and ’tis a pity; for there are to be many little wars and sieges and suchlike under way in that duchy ere long, when my good cousin doth begin to pull upon the cord with which he hath en- closed the various counties; and at present it would appear that Matteo Scarlatti will have the benefit of them all. A great pity.”’ Since he was watching me like a hawk, I gave no sign of the inward fury of jealousy that was consuming me. Instead, I ap- peared to stifle a yawn. “Tt is furthermore a pity,” continued Ricardo, “that when the good duke hath gone to the trouble, with one noble, of marrying him to his sister, instead of taking his lands by force or—er—strategy, that the said noble should be threatening armed violence, at a time when the duke hath his hands full without.” ‘“‘The Count Roberto?” says I carelessly. “The same. Having offered unnamed insults to the Countess Anita, he was put forth from his castle—” “Put forth?” I gasped. “Evenso. And instead of submitting the matter to the Duke Alessandro, as to his overlord, and demanding justice on the merits of the case, lo! he proclaims himself his own liege and answerable to none, and prepares to raiseanarmy. Asis well known, he is afflicted; doubtless, his mind hath become unhinged. es It was my advice that, on the contrary, the Count Roberto showed himself in the soundest reason; a wise move it would have been surely, to appeal:to the duke against the action of the duke’s own sister, inspired by the duke himself! What he would have gained from that would have been a dungeon or a poisoned salad, for having asked ad- mission to his wife’s apartments, or some such thing. “Nevertheless,” says Salviati mildly, ‘ is not to be permitted that, mad or in his wits, he should besiege the Countess Anita, who, with half a dozen guards, doth hold the castle for its liege-lord; and Alessandro hath no troops that he can spare to its de- fense. I am therefore empowered to offer thee five thousand crowns, the duke’s par- don, and his assurance of employment in his 11 161 service with all thy men, for the defense of the castle in question against the Count Roberto. H’m.” I considered this. “How many men may the count raise?”’ I asked. ““A very few. Who shall join him, when it is known he is to fight against the duke, and that his Highness will hang all prison- ers? Besides, the count hath lost half his tongue—and all his worship.” That last I could well believe. “Then who is to be in command of the place,’ Iasked. ‘Her Ladyship the Count- ess—or myself?” “Of a certainty, thyself.” Still I hesitated. “WellP’”’ “‘Nobles are kittle cattle to order about,” I said, ‘and apt to be jealous of their authority in matters military, however ill equipped.” Salviati scowled. “JT thought thou wert of noble blood thyself.” “It’s a delusion I foster; but to return to the matter, signor—should I have author- ity to—” “Shut the wench up in a room if she in- terfered with thee? Yes. Iam procurator for the duke in Venice, and I will give thee a warrant under his seal. Now—we have discussed this enow; thou art aware, or should be, that thou hast everything to gain by accepting, and everything to lose by refusing this task; the duke’s favor, and the favor of Venice. Great rewards, T think, for withstanding a half-hearted siege in a castle they call ““The Impregnable.” Yes, or no?” “Ves,” says I, rising. ““?Tis well. The money will be ready for thee by noon.” ‘And when am I to start?”’ “This very day! And make speed, my friend, make speed!”’ CHAPTER XIII OF A BATTLE =—/T’ WAS four days, nevertheless, # Re! before we crossed that border of Rometia nearest to the Count pau) Roberto’s castle; for this reason, that eaeaiai is of no use save to eat its head off when the question is of defending a place COMICLOOoKS Cc C@