'Will you come? It may need some consultation.'
The protonotary did not answer, but walked sulkily into the house. After a few minutes, Checco came to us, and said,—
'The Duke of Milan is marching against Forli with five thousand men.'
No one spoke, but the expression on the protonotary's face grew darker.
'It is fortunate we have preserved the children,' said Bartolomeo. 'They will be more useful to us alive than dead.'
Savello looked at him; and then, as if trying to mend the breach, but rather against his will, said ungraciously,—
'Perhaps you were right, Checco, in what you did. I did not see at the moment the political wisdom of your act.'
He could not help the sneer. Checco flushed a little, but on a look from Bartolomeo answered,—
'I am sorry if I was too quick of tongue. The excitement of the moment and my temper made me scarcely responsible.'
Checco looked as if it were a very bitter pill he had been forced to swallow; but the words had a reasonable effect, and the clouds began to clear away. An earnest discussion was commenced on the future movements. The first thing was to send for help against the Duke Lodovico. Savello said he would apply to Rome. Checco counted on Lorenzo de' Medici, and messengers were forthwith despatched to both. Then it was decided to gather as much victuals as possible into the town, and fortify the walls, so that they might be prepared for a siege. As to the citadel, we knew it was impossible to take it by storm; but it would not be difficult to starve it into surrender, for on the news of the Count's death the gates had been shut with such precipitation that the garrison could not have food for more than two or three days.