"Yes, excellency."
"Very well!"
I said no more and went on in silence, but a little distance from the hostel I bade Gian stop, and entering the yard, sought out Jacopo.
"Has the landlord any horses for sale?"
"Two, your excellency."
"Good ones?"
"Fairly so, excellency--about twenty crowns a piece with saddle included."
"Then buy one--and here--a few steps to the right of the entrance you will find a cripple, he is one of my men, do not speak, but attend--go out quietly--get him decently clothed, and bring him back here, the horse will be for him. You can get clothes to fit him anywhere, for the shops do not shut until late; get him a sword too, there are some good and cheap weapons in Perugia."
"It shall be done, excellency."
"Then be off at once."