I was then before the Secretary of the Council of Ten, the crafty politician who at that time held Florence in his hand, and with whose name all Italy was full. I now understood Ceci's plot at once, but the question was, should I give my right name? Sooner or later the Secretary would find out, and I accordingly answered him as honestly as possible.
"I pass under the name of Donati, your excellency, will that do?"
He leaned back reflectively. "I like confidence when I give it," he said, "and yet perhaps it does not matter. You had no idea who I was when you helped me?" he added with a quick look.
"Not in the slightest." I did not feel justified in adding more.
"Well, Signore Donati, I have work for which I want a brave man, and if you care to accept it, I offer it to you."
"Your excellency, I will plainly say that I hardly know where to turn for employment, in fact, I am in such straits that I cannot afford to look for a hair in any egg that may fall my way; at the same time your business must be such as I can take with honour."
"With honour of course," he smiled sarcastically, and then added, "I suppose I can trust you?"
"You need not give me the employment, signore, if you do not think you can trust me--and pardon me--it is getting late."
"Sit down, man, I did but try you, and you are the man I want. Where do you lodge?"
"In the Albizzi Palace, in the street di Pucci."