and that doubt
seemed suddenly to reverse their respective positions, and leave the
conqueror still in the assassin's power.

"Thou thinkest to deceive me," said he, but in a voice whispered and
uncertain, which shewed the ruffian the advantage he had gained: "thou
wouldst that I might release thee without summoning my attendants, that
thou mightst a second time attempt my life."

"Thou hast disabled my right arm, and disarmed me of my only weapon."

"How camest thou hither?"

"By connivance."

"Whence this attempt?"

"The dictation of others."

"If I pardon thee--"

"Thou shalt know all!"

"Rise," said the Tribune, releasing his prisoner, but with great
caution, and still grasping his shoulder with one hand, while the other
pointed the dagger at his throat.

"Did my sentry admit thee? There is but one entrance to the church,
methinks."

"He did not; follow me, and I will tell thee more."

"Dog! thou hast accomplices?"

"If I have, thou hast the knife at my throat."

"Wouldst thou escape?"

"I cannot, or I would."

Rienzi looked hard, by the dull light of the lamp, at the assassin. His
rugged and coarse countenance, rude garb, and barbarian speech, seemed
to him proof sufficient that he was but the hireling of others; and it
might be wise to brave one danger present and certain, to prevent much
danger future and unforeseen. Rienzi, too, was armed, strong, active, in
the prime of life;--and at the worst, there was no part of the building
whence his voice would not reach those within the chapel,--if they could
be depended upon.

"Shew me then thy place and means of entrance," said he; "and if I but
suspect thee as we move--thou diest. Take up the lamp."

The ruffian nodded; with his left hand took up the lamp as he was
ordered; and with Rienzi's grasp on his shoulder, while the wound from
his right arm dropped gore as he passed, he moved noiselessly along the
church--gained the altar--to the left of which was a small room for the
use or retirement of the priest. To this he made his way. Rienzi's heart
misgave him a moment.

"Beware," he whispered, "the least sign of fraud, and thou art the first
victim!"

The assassin nodded again, and proceeded. They entered the room; and
then the Tribune's strange guide pointed to an open casement. "Behold my
entrance," said he; "and, if you permit me, my egress--"

"The frog gets not out of the well so easily as he came in, friend,"
returned Rienzi, smilin