y
obeyed.

* * * * *

Stefano was in the very heart of the action in Nikosia during the days
that followed; the people furious at the outrage to their Queen, swore
that it should be people against nobles, if there were need, in her
defense; and assembling in great numbers, at the house of Stefano, they
chose a 'Council of the People' and made him its chief.

And well it was for the peace of Nikosia that Stefano was gifted with
that rare power which marks some men for mediators in time of storm. He
stood between the nobles and the people, trusted by both parties--a man
of force and judgment--reticent, comprehending, swift to see his way and
scorning subterfuge.

He it was who headed a delegation of the people to urge their petition
that the Queen should be rescued with all speed and brought for safety
within their walled and loyal city, and who rested not until the
Vice-Roy with all his knights and all the forces that could be spared
from the defense of Nikosia and of the citadel which they were holding
for Her Majesty, had ridden forth to Famagosta.

Stefano commanded the guard at the gates of Nikosia--as also the force
of the entire city, during the absence of the Vice-Roy: and he could be
swerved nor fooled by no entreaties nor orders from any noble in the
land. "No man entereth," he explained in that terrible cold iron voice
of his, "save only he who sweareth to live and die in defense of Her
Majesty."

He it was, also, who, waiting for no parleying, thundered a refusal to
surrender the city to those who brought the demand from the Fortress of
Famagosta, signed in trembling letters by the Queen's own hand,
"_Caterina Regina_."

"Nay, but Her Majesty shall write the letters from her own
palace--freely--that we, her loyal, servitors may know her will,--or
ever we surrender her city of Nikosia." And so, sent back the envoys of
Rizzo--foiled.

And when some days later, yet others came--a company of mounted
noblemen, demanding entrance in the Queen's name to deliver her answer
to the letter sent by the Council of the People from Nikosia and to take
their oath of loyalty--Stefano, still unbelieving, not knowing how it
fared in Famagosta, gave his unvarying answer:

"No man entereth, save only he who sweareth to live and die in the
Queen's defense."

"We are content to swear," they answered him.

But still he gave no order to open the gates, but rode forth himself
with the capt