He uttered an exclamation when he saw me still there, the gate shut and the
officer in talk with me. He spurred quickly forward.
"How is this?" he demanded haughtily and angrily. "This man rides upon the
business of the State. Why this delay to open for him?"
"My orders," said the lieutenant, civilly but firmly, "are that none passes
out to-night."
"Do you know me?" demanded Gambara.
"Yes, my lord."
"And you dare talk to me of your orders? There are no orders here in
Piacenza but my orders. Set me wide the wicket of that gate. I myself
must pass."
"My lord, I dare not."
"You are insubordinate," said the Legate, of a sudden very cold.
He had no need to ask whose orders were these. At once he saw the trammel
spread for him. But if Messer Cosimo was subtle, so, too, was Messer
Gambara. By not so much as a word did he set his authority in question
with the officer.
"You are insubordinate," was all he answered him, and then to the two
men-at-arms behind the lieutenant--"Ho, there!" he called. "Bring out the
guard. I am Egidio Gambara, your Governor."
So calm and firm and full of assurance was his tone, so unquestionable his
right to command them, that the men sprang instantly to obey him.
"What would you do, my lord?" quoth the officer, and he seemed daunted.
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