e Queen and Member of the Council
of the Realm, had meant to scale the walls by the seaside and fight his
way, hand to hand if need be, to the Queen's side, when he had chanced
upon this little gate upon the moat so long unused that its rusty bolt
yielded without over-much persuasion to his pressure from without. The
first court upon which it gave entrance--being the farthest from the
Piazza--was dark and deserted, and he passed, without resistance into
the second court, finding it also empty, except for the sentry passing
to and fro on his monotonous duty.

The man saluted as he offered the usual password, then, recognizing one
of the Queen's Council, presented arms.

Here, at least, all was tranquil--possibly his fears had been too great.

But from the third court--the one first entered from the Piazza, there
came as he neared the arched passage that led from court to court
through the thickness of the massive walls, hints of commotion that made
him pause to consider whether he might not more surely reach the Queen
by some other stairway.

As he drew back into the shadow to make some farther plan, the Count of
Tripoli, with Rizzo di Marin, Chief of Council, came through, from the
first court, followed by one or two mounted nobles, questioning the
sentry as to whether anyone had passed that way, and he heard the man
give his name.

"Sua Eccellenza, Messer Andrea Cornaro."

The Count of Tripoli repeated this answer, with an accent of surprise.

"He gave the password?" he questioned, sternly.

"_Eccellenza, si--come sempre._"

Andrea Cornaro, to whom fear was unknown, thinking himself called,
immediately responded, coming forward into the light.

"I have somewhat to discuss with thee," Rizzo said nonchalantly. "Wilt
have a mount? We will go forth upon the ramparts and see whether all be
in order."

"I have but left my horse," Cornaro answered, calling the animal to him
with a motion of his hand, "but I would first know of this tumult." He
kept his hand upon the bridle and remained standing, while he looked
searchingly from Rizzo to Tripoli, the Governor of Famagosta.

"What is this tumult?" he repeated angrily, seeing them not quick to
answer.

"Nay, Friend, how knowest thou not? being of the Council--as we:" Rizzo
answered with a hint of provocation in his tone. "It is but some
difference of the soldiers as to rations and pay: it threatened mutiny
and had to be met. It will be put down. Mount then, your