ar. And it
usually happened that, by some secret intrigue, the appearance of
Montreal's banner before the walls of a city was the signal for some
sedition or some broil within. It may be that he thus also promoted an
ulterior, as well as his present, policy.

The divan were in full consultation when an officer entered, and
whispered a few words in Montreal's ear. His eyes brightened. "Admit
him," he said hastily. "Messires," he added to his councillors, rubbing
his hands, "I think our net has caught our bird. Let us see."

At this moment the drapery was lifted and the Knight admitted.

"How!" muttered Montreal, changing colour, and in evident
disappointment. "Am I to be ever thus balked?"

"Sir Walter de Montreal," said the prisoner, "I am once more your guest.
In these altered features you perhaps scarcely recognise Adrian di
Castello."

"Pardon me, noble Signor," said Montreal, rising with great courtesy;
"the mistake of my varlets disturbed my recollection for a moment.--I
rejoice once more to press a hand that has won so many laurels since
last we parted. Your renown has been grateful to my ears. Ho!" continued
the chieftain, clapping his hands, "see to the refreshment and repose
of this noble Cavalier and his attendants. Lord Adrian, I will join you
presently."

Adrian withdrew. Montreal, forgetful of his councillors, traversed his
tent with hasty strides; then summoning the officer who had admitted
Adrian, he said, "Count Landau still keeps the pass?"

"Yes, General!"

"Hie thee fast back, then--the ambuscade must tarry till nightfall. We
have trapped the wrong fox."

The officer departed, and shortly afterwards Montreal broke up the
divan. He sought Adrian, who was lodged in a tent beside his own.

"My Lord," said Montreal, "it is true that my men had orders to stop
every one on the roads towards Florence. I am at war with that city. Yet
I expected a very different prisoner from you. Need I add, that you and
your men are free?"

"I accept the courtesy, noble Montreal, as frankly as it is rendered.
May I hope hereafter to repay it? Meanwhile permit me, without any
disrespect, to say that had I learned the Grand Company was in this
direction, I should have altered my course. I had heard that your arms
were bent (somewhat to my mind more nobly) against Malatesta, the tyrant
of Rimini!"

"They were so. He was my foe; he is my tributary. We conquered him. He
paid us the price of his liberty. We marched