At last, more briskly: "Let us hear what pay you offer me, to thrust myself thus blindfolded into this business of yours as leader of the company you require ?" he asked suddenly.
Gonzaga's face fell at that.

Then he suddenly stiffened, and put on an expression of haughtiness.
"It is my intent to lead this company myself," he loftily informed the ruffler.
"Body of God!" gasped Ercole, upon whose mind intruded a grotesque picture of such a company as he would assemble, being led by this mincing carpet-knight.

Then recollecting himself: "If that be so," said he, "you had best, yourself, enrol it.

Felicissima notte!" And he waved him a farewell across the table.
Here was a poser for Gonzaga.

How was he to go about such a business as that?
It was beyond his powers.