They advanced to the gate, and Checco summoned the captain.
'Open the gate,' he said shortly.
The captain looked at them undecisively. I stood behind in the shade, so that I could not be seen.
'If you make a sound, we will kill you,' said Checco.
They drew their swords. He hesitated, and Checco repeated,—
'Open the gate!'
Then he brought out the heavy keys; the locks were turned, the gate growled on its hinges, and one by one they filed out. Then the gate swung back behind them. I heard a short word of command, and the clatter of horses' hoofs. I put the spurs to my own, and galloped back into the town.
In half an hour the bells were ringing furiously; and it was announced from house to house that the conspirators had fled and the town was free.
XXXI
IN the morning the council met again and resolved that the town should return to its old obedience, and by surrendering without conditions hoped to receive pardon for its offences. Lodovico Moro entered in triumph, and going to the fortress was received by Caterina, who came forth from the citadel and with him proceeded to the cathedral to hear mass. The good Forlivesi were getting used to ovations; as the Countess passed through the streets they received her with acclamation, thronging the road on each side, blessing her, and her mother, and all her ancestors. She went her way as indifferent as when she had crossed the same streets a few days back amid the execrations of her faithful subjects. The keen observers noticed the firm closing of her mouth, which boded no particular good to the Forlivesi, and consequently redoubled their shouts of joy.