eached their place of assemblage.

"With his force, in which was the remnant of The White Company, he
returned to the palace, where a fierce contest waged for its possession.
Our opponents were vanquished and driven beyond the city walls or found
safety by hiding within the city.

"Order was restored and for the first time in many months the city was
quiet. Michael gave to the city a just and, for the time, a peaceful
administration of three years. While he rescued the city from the lowest
plebeians, his administration was artisan-controlled and governed. The
signory was made up of nine members, of which the superior trades
furnished four and the inferior trades five members.

"Shortly after restoration of order and reorganization new factions were
organized between the artificers on the one side, called the plebeians,
and the nobles and church on the other, called the popular party.

"It was discovered that certain members of the popular party were in
conspiracy with Gianozzo da Salerno of Bologna, who had been prevailed
upon to undertake the conquest of the city.

"Piero and Carlo were accused of connection with this conspiracy and Sir
John Hawkwood, Tomasso Strozzi and Benedetto Alberti, with a strong
force, prepared to resist this invasion.

"Piero was executed. Subsequently Giorgio Scali and Tomasso Strozzi made
themselves offensive to the government. Tomasso fled, but Giorgio was
made prisoner and beheaded.

"Beginning with this, one disorder followed another in the political
struggles between the plebeians and the popular party and the major and
minor trades.

"After many balias had been appointed for the reformation of the
government and there had been two general assemblies of the people, a
new government was formed, controlled by the opposition. They recalled
all people banished by Sylvestro. All who had acquired office by the
balia of 1378 were deposed. The Guelphs were restored to power and the
plebeians and trades deposed. Michael di Lando and Lorenzo di Puccio
were banished. The good they had done and the services they had rendered
were quickly forgotten."

* * * * *

The boss carpenter, after more than an hour's steady talking, stirred
and groaned; he opened his eyes and sat up saying;

"I have been dreaming of labor unions and fighting. I believe I will
walk to Winchester, as I am expected to talk to some friends at a
meeting tonight."

[Illustration: A Chise