Against this, and on the plea that the Duke might require the services of the Prince of Valsassina at home, Carmagnola begged that the enterprise against Montferrat should be confided to his leadership, his own condotta taking the place of Bellarion's, but all else remaining as Bellarion disposed.
The Duke, showing in his pale face no sign of his surprise at this request, looked from Carmagnola to Bellarion, appearing to ponder, what time the Princess Valeria held her breath.
At length the Duke spoke. 'Have you anything to say to that, Valsassina?'
'Nothing if your highness is content. You will remember that Theodore of Montferrat is one of the most skilful captains of the day, and if this business is not to drag on unduly, indeed if it is to be brought to a successful issue, you would do well to send against him of your best.'
A sly smile broke upon that sinisterly placid countenance.
'By which you mean yourself.'
'For my part,' said Koenigshofen, 'I do not willingly march under another.'
'And for mine,' said Stoffel, 'whilst Bellarion lives I do not march under another at all.'
The Duke looked at Carmagnola. 'You hear, sir?'
Carmagnola flushed uncomfortably. 'I had set my heart upon the enterprise, Lord Duke.'