Conrad's eyes followed him; he could find no words to break the silence.
Della Scala first read, then tore the writing down, and crushed it in his hand; then he looked at the door, standing ajar.
"How many have deserted?" he asked in a hard voice. "Vincenzo said half the army."
Conrad could not answer the truth.
"How many?" and Mastino turned toward him.
"Carrara has taken all his force," faltered the wretched man.
Mastino crushed the parchment yet tighter in his hand, and walked up to Conrad, who shrank before his face.
"Your sword, Count," he said. Conrad hesitated, bewildered.
"You are no longer in my service; as my officer you wear that sword; as what you are, I demand it from you."