vivacity which often overcame his prudence; and he had conceived a
secret pique against Adrian since their interview at Stephen's palace.

"Sir Knight," answered Adrian, colouring, "our conversation may lead to
warmer words than I would desire to have with one who has rendered me so
gallant a service."

"Nay, then, let us go back to the troubadours," said Montreal,
indifferently. "Forgive me if I do not think highly, in general, of
Italian honour, or Italian valour; your valour I acknowledge, for I have
witnessed it, and valour and honour go together,--let that suffice!"

As Adrian was about to answer, his eye fell suddenly on the burly form
of Cecco del Vecchio, who was leaning his bare and brawny arms over his
anvil, and gazing, with a smile, upon the group. There was something in
that smile which turned the current of Adrian's thoughts, and which he
could not contemplate without an unaccountable misgiving.

"A strong villain, that," said Montreal, also eyeing the smith. "I
should like to enlist him. Fellow!" cried he, aloud, "you have an arm
that were as fit to wield the sword as to fashion it. Desert your anvil,
and follow the fortunes of Fra Moreale!"

The smith nodded his head. "Signor Cavalier," said he, gravely, "we poor
men have no passion for war; we want not to kill others--we desire only
ourselves to live,--if you will let us!"

"By the Holy Mother, a slavish answer! But you Romans--"

"Are slaves!" interrupted the smith, turning away to the interior of his