nzaga smiled, gathering from that sentence how truly she apprised the
coarse nature of this stranger. Francesco's answer surprised them.

"Nay, I hold Messer Gonzaga's an ill counsel. Show mercy to Fortemani
now, where he expects none, and you will have made a faithful servant of
him. I know his kind."

"Ser Francesco speaks without the knowledge that we have, Madonna,"
was Gonzaga's rude comment. "An example must be made if we would have
respect and orderliness from these men."

"Then make it an example of mercy," suggested Francesco sweetly.

"Well, we shall see," was Valentina's answer. "I like your counsel,
Messer Francesco, and yet I see a certain wisdom in Gonzaga's words.
Though in such a case as this I would sooner consort with folly than
have a man's death upon my conscience. But here he comes, and, at least,
we'll give him trial. Maybe he is penitent by now."

Gonzaga sneered, and took his place on the right of Valentina's chair,
Francesco standing on her left; and in this fashion they disposed
themselves to hold judgment upon the captain of her forces.

He was brought in between two mailed men-at-arms, his hands pinioned
behind him, his tread heavy as that of a man in fear, his eyes directed
sullenly upon the waiting trio, but sullenest of all upon Francesco, who
had so signally encompassed his discomfiture. Valentina spread a hand
to Gonzaga, and from Gonzaga waved it slightly in the direction of the
Bully. Responsive to that gesture, Gonzaga faced the pinioned captain
truculently.

"You know your offence, knave," he bawled at him. "Have you aught to
urge that may deter us from hanging you?"

Fortemani raised his brows a moment in surprise at this ferocity from
one whom he had always deemed a very woman. Then he uttered a laugh of
such contempt that the colour sprang to Gonzaga's cheek.

"Take him out----" he began furiously, when Valentina interposed,
setting a hand upon his arm.

"Nay, nay, Gonzaga, your methods are all wrong. Tell him---- Nay, I will
question him myself. Messer Fortemani, you have been guilty of an act of
gross abuse. You and your men were hired for me by Messer Gonzaga, and
to you was given the honourable office of captain over them, that you
might lead them in this service of mine in the ways of duty, submission,
and loyalty. Instead of that, you were the instigator of that outrage
this morning, when murder was almost done upon an inoffensive man who
was my guest. What have y