h was
always at his side, said: "Know, O king, that some robbers learned from
spies that my master was loaded with jewels, which he was coming to
present to you. They robbed him of all, and threw him into the river,
thinking to kill him, but thanks to these gentlemen he has escaped from
death." The king, hearing this, ordered that he should be well cared
for; and seeing that he was handsome, and knowing him to be wealthy, he
concluded to give him Elisetta, his daughter, for a wife, endowing her
with jewels and most beautiful garments. After the wedding festivities
had been ended, the king had ten mules loaded with money, and five with
costly apparel, and sent his daughter to her husband's home, accompanied
by a great retinue. Constantine, seeing that he had become so wealthy
and honored, did not know where to lead his wife, and took counsel with
his cat, which said: "Do not fear, my master, for we shall provide for
everything." So they all set out gayly on horseback, and the cat ran
hastily before them; and having left the company some distance behind,
met some horsemen, to whom she said: "What are you doing here, wretched
men? Depart quickly, for a large band of people are coming, and will
take you prisoners. They are near by: you can hear the noise of the
neighing horses." The horsemen said in terror: "What must we do, then?"
The cat replied: "Do this,--if you are asked whose horsemen you are,
answer boldly, Messer Constantine's, and you will not be molested." Then
the cat went on, and found a large flock of sheep, and did the same with
their owners, and said the same thing to all those whom she found in the
road. The people who were escorting Elisetta asked the horsemen: "Whose
knights are you," and "whose are so many fine flocks?" and all with one
accord replied: "Messer Constantine's." Then those who accompanied the
bride said: "So then, Messer Constantine, we are beginning to enter your
territory." And he nodded his head, and replied in like manner to all
that he was asked. Wherefore the company judged him to be very wealthy.
At last the cat came to a very fine castle, and found there but few
servants, to whom she said: "What are you doing, good men; do you not
perceive the destruction which is impending?" "What?" asked the
servants. "Before an hour passes, a host of soldiers will come here and
cut you to pieces. Do you not hear the horses neighing? Do you not see
the dust in the air? If you do not wish to perish, t