'That, at least, is not to be denied,' said Spigno, and in his vehemence carried two or three others with him.
But the fierce Casella was not of those, nor Lungo, nor Barbaresco.
The latter least of all, for a sudden memory had stirred in him. His blue eyes narrowed until they were almost hidden in his great red cheeks.
'How does it happen that none at court recognized in you the palace amanuensis?'
Bellarion perceived his danger, and learnt the lesson that a lie may become a clumsy obstacle to trip a man. But of the apprehension he suddenly felt, no trace revealed itself upon his countenance.
'It is possible some did. What then? Neither identity contradicts the other. And remember, pray, that Messer Aliprandi was there to avouch me.'
'But he cannot avouch you here,' Barbaresco said again, and sternly asked: 'Who can?'
Bellarion looked at him, and from him to the others who seemed to await almost in breathlessness his answer.
'Do you demand of me proof that I am the adoptive son of Facino Cane?' he asked.
'So much do we demand it that unless you can afford it your sands are run, my cockerel,' Casella answered him, his fingers on his dagger as he spoke.