'Illustrissimo, if there be one of them who shall get even a scent of it, have me hanged for a hound.' And after a pause he added, bowing very low, 'I would pray of your Excellency——'
'What? Again?'
'God is my witness, 'tis for the last time.'
'How much?'
'Five thousand ducats.'
The duke reflected, reduced the sum by a thousand, and promised. It was now late; Madonna Beatrice might be anxious; the company hastened to take their leave, each one receiving from the alchemist a fragment of the new-made gold. Only Leonardo remained behind.
V
When they were alone Galeotto said to him, 'Well, Master, what think you of my experiment?'
'The gold was in the rods,' replied Leonardo dryly.