"Outlawry, or I'm a fool." "Why, yes," confessed Gonzaga.

"It is outlaw matter of a kind.

But the risk is slender." "Can you tell me no more ?" "I dare not." Ercole emptied his wine-cup at a draught and splashed the dregs on to the floor.

Then, setting down the empty vessel, he sat steeped in thought awhile.

Growing impatient: "Well," cried Gonzaga at last, "can you help me?
Can you find the men ?" "If you were to tell me more of the nature of this service you require, I might find a hundred with ease." "As I have said--I need but a score." Ercole looked mighty grave, and thoughtfully rubbed his long nose.
"It might be done," said he, after a pause.