Machiavelli then went on, speaking incisively, wasting no words. "In ten days or thereabouts from now, Monsignore Bozardo, the Papal envoy to the Grand Turk, will land at Sinigaglia and start for Rome. He brings with him a letter and a sum of money, forty thousand ducats.
These are for his holiness. Bozardo and the letter may reach, if you like; the ducats must not."
"Where are they to go?"
"To the Duke de la Tremouille."
"I follow."
"Understand that you take this venture at your own risk."
I saw what he meant, if I failed I was to be sacrificed, and my mind was made up. I would accept, with a condition.
"I quite understand--there is one thing."
"What?"
"Ten days is a wide margin. I will stop Bozardo or die; but I propose effecting the release of the Lady Angiola as well."
A glad look came into Machiavelli"s eyes; but the cardinal flashed out--
"_Nom du diable!_ What gra.s.shopper have you got in your head? Leave the demoiselle to us. You cannot do two things at once."
"Then with respect to your eminence I decline the affair of the ducats."
D"Amboise looked at me in sheer amazement.
"You decline--you dare;" but Machiavelli interposed.
"A moment, your eminence. Can we get another agent?"
"Not now; it is too late now."
"And we have no money for active measures?"
"Not a livre."
"It seems to me that the cavaliere has us in his hands, and we had better agree. After all he only risks his head twice, instead of once."
D"Amboise bit his lip, and with a frown began to drum on the table with his fingers. I sat silent but resolved, and Machiavelli, rising, went to the writing table, pulling out from his vest a parchment. In this he rapidly wrote something, and dusting it over with drying powder held it to the flame of a candle. Then he turned back leisurely, and, as he resumed his seat, handed me the paper.
"I have just filled in your name on this blank safe-conduct through the Papal States. I took the precaution of obtaining this from Sforza to-day. When can you start?"
"Now, your excellency," and I put the safe-conduct securely by.
"I suppose I must agree," said the cardinal suddenly. "If it fails, all is lost; if it succeeds----"
"There will probably be a new Conclave, your eminence," said Machiavelli.
D"Amboise"s forehead flushed dark at the hidden meaning in the Florentine"s words. But we all knew that the chair of St. Peter was ever before his eyes; and for this he schemed and saved, although profuse in his habits. George of Amboise never gained his desire; but when he died he left a fortune of eleven millions. This however was yet to be.
I had already arisen to take my leave as Machiavelli spoke, and the cardinal, taking no notice of his last remark, turned to me, with something of his old good temper. Perhaps the hint of Florentine support at the next papal election was not without its softening effect.
"Did I understand you to say you were ready to start at once, cavaliere?"
"Yes, your eminence."
"Then let me wish you good fortune--adieu!"
"Your eminence has my grateful thanks."
I bowed to D"Amboise and the secretary, and withdrew; but as the door swung behind me, I heard Machiavelli"s voice.
"The air of Rome does not suit me, your eminence. No, thanks. No more Falernian."
CHAPTER XIX.
EXIT THE ANCIENT BRICO.
I had gained my point without waste of words or time, but it was to be my way or not at all. My lady was in dire peril. Against this could I for a moment weigh any thought of myself? What cared I whether France, Spain, or the Borgia ruled in Italy? What mattered it to me whether one crafty statesman held the reins of power, or another outdid him in craft and filched away his bone? My lady was in danger, and my honour might rot, and the Most Christian, the Most Catholic, and Most Holy wolves might tear each other"s throats out before I would move a finger, take one step, until she was free. If I had to pull down Baglioni"s hold with my hands, I would free her. If a hair of her head was injured I should take such vengeance as man never heard of, and then--my foot caught in the carpeting of the pa.s.sage, I tripped up and fell heavily, the shock sending stars before my eyes.
"Too much haste, cavaliere," and a hand helped me to rise. As I gained my feet I saw Machiavelli beside me.
"I followed you at once," he said, "but you went so fast, I had missed you but for that lucky trip. A word more--if you free her, take her to the convent of St. Jerome, two miles north-west of Magione--the abbess will do the rest. I will see to that."
"Very well. G.o.d grant I succeed!"
"Amen to that," and Machiavelli took my hand. "Adieu, cavaliere, once again, I must go back to his eminence, we have a point or two to discuss yet, but no more Falernian. _Corpo di Bacco!_ I grow cold when I think of our escape."
"Good-bye, your excellency," and we parted.
I went on with a little more care, and being a trifle cooled by my fall, was able to think better. By the time I reached my apartments I had decided on my route. I should leave by the Porta del Popolo, keep on the right bank of the river as far as Borghetto, there cross the Tiber, and on to Perugia in a straight line by Narni and Todi. It was close on three and thirty leagues; but I did not mean to spare horseflesh. As I reached the entrance which led to my rooms, I found Jacopo and my men ready, and Castor whinnied a glad welcome, pawing at the air with his forefoot in his impatience. St. Armande and the abbe, already mounted and attended by a couple of men, were a little to the right.
"I will not keep you a moment, chevalier," I called out as I pa.s.sed him, and running up the stairs to my room, began to dress rapidly.
Jacopo attended me, and as he handed me my sword, pointed to the open window.
"A fair night for a long ride, excellency!"
"Yes, the moon stands well--my cloak--quick," and we descended the stairs.
"All ready, Jacopo?"
"Your excellency."
"Steady, Castor," and I swung into the saddle.