Unbidden the audacious Messer Beppo broke into their counsel.
'Aye, that's the difficulty. But it can be overcome. That is where I can serve you; I and my three hundred lances. I move them round during the day wide of the lines and bring up behind Pavone, at Pietramarazzi. At the concerted hour I push them forward, right up against Facino's rear, and at the moment that you attack in front I charge from behind, and the envelopment is made.'
'But how to know each other in the dark?' said Rocco. 'Your force and ours might come to grips, each supposing the other to be Facino's.'
'My men shall wear their shirts over their armour if yours will do the same.'
'Lord of Heaven!' said Vignate. 'You have it all thought out.'
'That is my way. That is how I succeed.'
Vignate heaved himself up. On his broad face it was to be read that he had made up his mind.
'Let it be to-night, then. There is no gain in delay, nor can our stomachs brook it. You are to be depended upon, Captain Farfalla?'
'If we come to terms,' said Beppo easily. 'I'm not in the business for the love of adventure.'
Vignate's countenance sobered from its elation. His eyes narrowed. He became the man of affairs. 'And your terms?' quoth he.