evil plight, and open many a door that you may find locked." And he
handed me a signet ring on which was graven the steer that is the emblem
of the House of Borgia.

He raised aloft the hand on which was glistening the sacred amethyst--two
fingers crooked and two erect. Wondering what this should mean, I stared
inquiry.

"Kneel," he bade me. And realising what he would be about, I sank on to
my knees whilst he murmured the Apostolic benediction over my bowed head.
The rushes of the floor were the only witnesses of the smile that crept
to my lips at this sudden assumption of his churchly office by that most
worldly prince.




CHAPTER II

THE LIVERIES OF SANTAFIOR


Such preparations as I had to make were soon complete.

Although it was agreed that I was to travel in the motley, yet, in my
lately-born shame of that apparel, I decided that I would conceal it as
best might be, revealing it only should the need arise. Moreover, it was
incumbent that I should afford myself more protection against the
inclement January night than that of my foliated cape, my crested cap and
silken hose. So, a black cloak, heavy and ample, a broad-brimmed hat,