needed, before we can complete the net in which we are to hold that
tyrant? Now, will you bear the letter?"

Would I bear it? Dear God! To achieve the end in view I would have
spent my remaining days in motley, making sport for grooms and kitchen
wenches. Some such answer did I make him, and he smiled his
satisfaction.

"You shall journey as you are," he bade me. "I am guided by my sister,
assured that the coat of a Fool is stouter protection than the best
hauberk ever tempered. When you have done your errand come you back to
me, and you shall have employment better suited to one who bears the name
of Biancomonte."

"You may depend upon me in this, my lord," I promised gravely. "I shall
not fail you."

"It is well" said he; and those wondrous eyes of his rested again upon my
face. "How soon can you set out?"

"At once, my lord. Does not the by-word say that a fool makes little
preparation for a journey?"

He nodded, and moved to a coffer, a beautiful piece of Venetian work in
ultramarine and gold. From this he took a heavy bag.

"There," said he, "you will find the best of all travelling companions."
I thanked him, and set the bag on the crook of my left arm, and by its
weight I knew how true he was to the notorious splendour of his race.
"And this," said he, "is a talisman that may serve to help you out of any