"She was frightened and dazed by her fall, my lord; she knew not what she did nor what they did to her. And the lieutenant took her in front of him, and, holding her with all gentleness, so rode towards the city."
"God keep her," said Antonio.
"Amen, poor lady!" said Martolo, doffing his cap.
Then Antonio whistled to his horse, which came to his side; with a gesture he bade the men stand aside, and they obeyed him; and he gathered Tommasino in his arms. "Hold my stirrup, that I may mount," said he; and still they obeyed. But when they saw him mounted, with Tommasino seated in front of him, Martolo cried, "But, my lord, we are charged to take him back and deliver him to the Duke."
"And if you do?" asked Antonio.
Martolo made a movement as of one tying a noose.
"And if you do not?" asked Antonio.
"Then we had best not show ourselves alive to the Duke."
Antonio looked down on them. "To whom bear you allegiance?" said he.
"To His Highness the Duke," they answered, uncovering as they spoke.