The condottiero swung down from his saddle unaided--a thing which he could
do even when full-armed--and stood before Farnese, a grim, dust-stained
figure, with a curious smile twisting his scarred face.
"Why," said he, in answer, "I have been upon business that concerns your
magnificence somewhat closely."
And with Falcone at his heels he advanced, the horses relinquished to the
grooms who had hastened forward.
"Upon business that concerns me?" quoth the Duke, intrigued.
"Why, yes," said Galeotto, who stood now face to face with Farnese at the
foot of the steps up which the Duke's attendants were straggling. "I have
been recruiting forces, and since one of these days your magnificence is to
give me occupation, you will see that the matter concerns you."
Above leaned Cavalcanti, his face grey and haggard, without the heart to
relish the wicked humour of Galeotto that could make jests for his own
entertainment. True there was also Falcone to overhear, appreciate, and
grin under cover of his great brown hand.
"Does this mean that you are come to your senses on the score of a stipend,
Ser Galeotto?" quoth the Duke.
"I am not a trader out of the Giudecca to haggle over my wares," replied
the burly condottiero. "But I nothing doubt that your magnificence and I
will come to an understanding at the last.
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