Jacopo gave such a groan at this, that I turned round in surprise, and became at once aware that my shadower had crossed the road, and come so close up to us that he must have overheard every word of our conversation. This was most annoying, and a disaster of which the future consequences might be most serious. I determined however to be rid of him for the rest of my stay in Florence at any rate, and addressed him sharply--
"Signore, I seem to have excited much curiosity in you. May I ask what it is you want?"
He stood for a moment, at a loss for reply, and then said, "The road is as free to me as to you."
"I admit that," I said; "but I object to your stopping to listen to my conversation, and therefore will be obliged by your passing on, unless you want a more severe punishment than you received last night."
He turned pale with anger, and slipped his hand into his vest; but as suddenly pulled it out again, and without another word hurried past us.
"Mark that man, Jacopo;" I said, "wherever he is, there is danger for us."
"Your excellency has only to say the word," and Jacopo put his hand to his belt.
"Not so, my friend. Florence is not a safe place for a man to use his dagger in broad daylight, unless covered by the cloak of a great man. Besides it is not to my taste. Merely keep your eyes open, and if you see him anywhere, tell me at once."
"It shall be so," he answered; "but who would inquire about a mere citizen like that?"
"Never mind, Jacopo; rest assured I know what I am about, and now tell me some news of the army."