Della Scala's brown eyes observed him keenly.
"I will ask a service of you, Count," he said; "not thy right hand, nor any feat of knight-errantry, but something full as difficult to render."
"Even if it be living on roots in a dungeon, I will do it!"
And, excited at the thought of some adventure, Count Conrad waited expectantly, his hand upon his sword.
The Prince smiled sadly.
"I fear it is a harder task than that, Count Conrad, and so distasteful that I would not burden you with it were there any other worthy to entrust with it," he said. "But all the men here are mercenaries—Captain Vanvitelli is a boor; Ligozzi goes with me to Brescia, whither I am instantly bound to confer with Ferrara."
"Prince, I am proud to execute your commands," interrupted Conrad eagerly.
Della Scala turned to Ligozzi, who stood silent behind him.
"See that no one listens," he said; and as Ligozzi disappeared and Mastino drew nearer to him, the Count fell back, impressed by the eagerness of the noble face.
But the Prince took him by the hand affectionately.