He looked a trifle embarrassed, as he replied, "I am seeking service--I left the army when your excellency left."
Knowing the man to be a stout soldier, I decided on the instant what to do.
"See here," I said, "I have no time to lose. Will you follow me once more? I am bound to Rome on an urgent affair, and leave to-day."
"Will a dog sniff at a bone? Will a cat pass by cream? Will an ass turn up his nose at a carrot? I will follow to the devil, let alone Rome, excellency, and at once if you will."
"Have you a horse?"
"Nothing, signore, but an arquebus and my sword, which I have at my lodging."
"Then come with me, we must buy two horses, and leave at once."
"I am ready, your worship," and taking his place a little behind me we hurried on.
"We will have a hard task to get at Rome, now that the whole country is up, signore," said Jacopo as we walked along.
"I have thought of that," I answered, "I propose to go by Leghorn, and taking ship there, proceed to Rome by sea."