Bellarion the Fortunate

by Rafael Sabatini

'I am supposing you to be the Duke of Milan,' said Bellarion, in a tone that was dangerously near contempt.

'Ah! You are supposing it? You shall have assurance of it before we are done with each other. Did you know it when you slew my dogs?'

'Less than ever when I perceived that you hunted with them deliberately.'

'Why so?'

'Could I suspect that a prince should so hunt a human quarry?'

'Why, you bold dog ...'

'Your highness knows my name!'

'Your name, oaf? What name?'

'What your highness called me. Cane.' Thus again, with more effectiveness than truth, did he introduce the identity that had served so well before. 'I am Bellarion Cane, Facino Cane's son.'

It was an announcement that produced a stir in that odd company.