a gold ducat, fire-new from the mint. The condottiero
took it and placed his finger upon the four letters P L A C--the
abbreviation of "Placentia" in the inscription.

"P--L--A--C," he spelled. "That contains your fate, magnificent, and
you may read it for yourself." And he returned the coin to the Duke, who
stared at the letters foolishly and then at this reader of omens.

"But what is the meaning of PLAC?" he asked, and he had paled a little
with excitement.

"I have a feeling that it is a sign. I cannot say more. I can but point
it out to you, my lord, and leave the deciphering of it to yourself, who
are more skilled than most men in such matters. Have I your excellency's
leave to go doff this dusty garb?" he concluded.

"Ay, go, sir," answered the Duke abstractedly, puzzling now with knitted
brows over the coin that bore his image.

"Come, Falcone," said Galeotto, and with his equerry at his heels he set
his foot on the first step.

Cosimo leaned forward, a sneer on his white hawk-face, "I trust, Ser
Galeotto, that you are a better condottiero than a charlatan."

"And you, sir," said Galeotto, smiling his sweetest in return, "are, I
trust, a better charlatan than a condottiero."

He went up the stairs, the gaudy throng making way before him, and he
came at last to the top, where stood the Lord of Pagliano awaiting
him, a great trouble in his eyes. They clasped hands in silence, and
Cavalcanti went in person to lead his guest to his apartments.

"You have not a happy air," said Galeotto as they went. "And, Body of
God! it is no matter for marvel considering the company you keep. How
long has the Farnese beast been here?"

"His visit is now in its third week," said Cavalcanti, answering
mechanically.

Galeotto swore in sheer surprise. "By the Host! And what keeps him?"

Cavalcanti shrugged and let his arms fall to his sides. To Galeotto this
proud, stern baron seemed most oddly dispirited.

"I see that we must talk," he said. "Things are speeding well and
swiftly now," he added, dropping his voice. "But more of that presently.
I have much to tell you."

When they had reached the chamber that was Galeotto's, and the doors
were closed and Falcone was unbuckling his master's spurs--"Now for my
news," said the condottiero. "But first, to spare me repetitions, let us
have Agostino here. Where is he?"

The look on Cavalcanti's face caused Galeotto to throw up his head like
a spirited animal that scents da