ears, drove him from the room and flung his catch after him. He brought
me no more presents, but did not cease to be my shadow.




CHAPTER XL

I GET RID OF MY ENEMY AND PART FROM MY FRIEND


When the day drew near upon which I had appointed to depart from
Florence, I saw that I must come to terms with the fellow. I sent
Belviso out to look for him--and to find him at no greater distance than
the other side of the door, with his eye at the keyhole. He came in,
blinking like an owl, still weak with his recent excesses, and very
nervous. I felt my gorge rise at the sight of him, but did my best to be
cool.

"Palamone," I began, "it appears that you have recently done me a
service----"

He leered at me. "My Francis! When--and at what hour of day or night
have I not been ready to serve you?"

"Why, that's as may be," said I. "I think I could remind you of a night
attack at Pistoja----"

"Oh, cruel," he said, "oh, cruel!"