"All the more pleasure in receiving it," and placing a couple of gold pieces on the table, I received my quittance and change.
"Messer Ceci," I went on, "I leave Florence to-day and there has been ill blood between us--your making entirely. I cannot forget, however, that when I was ill you helped me much, and that in other ways you were kind. Let us part friends--and, Messer Ceci, you are old. I would advise you to let matters of state alone."
He looked at me, and the corners of his mouth hardened, as he said, "Leave me and my age alone, Messer Donati. If it was not for you, there would have been a deed done last night at which all Florence would have rung again."
"So your precious nephew brought the news to you this morning?" I answered with a question, hazarding a shot.
Ceci remained silent, and drawing my conclusions, I went on, "Had what you plotted succeeded, you would have been in a fair way to taste the arms of the rack. Even now you are not safe. You see, Ceci, I know too much, and it would be wise to be civil."
"Not safe," and he laughed scornfully--"who says I am not safe?"
"I do--remember the Secretary has long arms."
"There are others who have longer, Messer Donati, and a dead tongue can tell no tales."
"I take your warning," I replied, and, turning on my heel, sought my chamber to await Machiavelli's messenger. I could not help thinking I had been wise to force the conversation with the intendant as I had done, and was sure, now that Ceci and the other conspirators were aware who had spoiled their soup, they would devote a little attention to me. It behooved me therefore to wear a loose sword for the future, and look well into corners before I passed them. I was not sure moreover whether I should still consider myself bound by my promise of secrecy, now that I had been as much as told that the conspirators were likely to include me in their plans, and turn their knives on me. I could well see that the Secretary would not be able to retaliate by the open process of the law, against the attack made on him, considering the circumstances under which it took place. That he would do so, however, under the mask, I felt sure, and he had received sufficient warning. Whilst thus reflecting I heard the gong in the yard below me strike twelve, and shortly after heavy steps ascended the stairs, with the sound of much puffing and blowing. The new arrival stopped at my landing, and knocked firmly at my door. Thinking it best to be careful, I unsheathed my sword, and letting down the bolt, stepped back a pace before I called out, "Come in." The door opened, and in walked my stout friend, who had retreated so rapidly from the bravos at the Marzocco.
"Messer Donati?" he said with an inquiring look.