The people grew suddenly exasperated; a shower of stones fell on us, and one, striking Checco, caused a long streak of blood to flow down his forehead.
'Give us the children! Give us the children!'
'We will call the guard,' said Antonio.
'The children!' shouted the mob. 'He will kill them. Take them from him.'
There was a rush from behind; the councillors and their supporters were driven forward; they were met by our drawn swords; in another moment it would have been too late, and against two hundred we should have been helpless. Suddenly Bartolomeo appeared at the head of the great staircase with the boys.
'Stop!' he cried. 'Here are the children. Stop!'
Checco turned round to him.
'I will not have them given up. Take them away!'
'I have never asked you anything before, Checco,' said Bartolomeo; 'I have always done as you commanded; but this time I implore you to give way.'
I joined my words to his.