“My ears never deceive me,” said Cellini. “Who are they, think you?”
“The tallest of the two is Bourbon,” replied Marcelline, in a whisper, “I recognise his voice and figure.”
“Bourbon!” exclaimed Cellini. “Then his hour is come.”
And kneeling down, he placed his arquebuss on the battlements and took deliberate aim at the duke. But just as he was about to fire, Marcelline caught hold of his hand and stopped him, and ere he could take fresh aim the two personages were gone.
“Maledizione! why did you interfere, sister?” cried Benvenuto, turning angrily upon her. “I should have killed him, and delivered Rome. I never miss my aim.”
“I would not have him die now,” she rejoined.
“Well, he shall not escape me,” said Cellini. “I heard him say he would be first to scale the walls.”
“And if he said so he will keep his word,” rejoined Marcelline.
“I will be ready for him. What says your excellency now?” he added to Renzo.
“I have little doubt that the assault will be made to-morrow morning, and at this point,” replied Renzo. “Since the breach cannot be repaired, I will send a sufficient force to defend it.”