t known, amongst the Roman Barons thou wouldst
have aided, is there one who could make that boast?"

"I desired only," said Montreal, with some hesitation, "to unite the
Barons with thee; nor did I intrigue against thy life!"

Rienzi frowned--"Enough," he said, hastily. "Knight of St. John, I know
thy secret projects, subterfuge and evasion neither befit nor avail
thee. If thou didst not intrigue against my life, thou didst intrigue
against the life of Rome. Thou hast but one favour left to demand on
earth, it is the manner of thy death."

Montreal's lip worked convulsively.

"Senator," said he, in a low voice, "may I crave audience with thee
alone for one minute?"

The councillors looked up.

"My Lord," whispered the eldest of them, "doubtless he hath concealed
weapons--trust him not."

"Prisoner," returned Rienzi, after a moment's pause; "if thou seekest
for mercy thy request is idle, and before my coadjutors I have no
secret; speak out what thou hast to say!"

"Yet listen to me," said the prisoner, folding his arms; "it concerns
not my life, but Rome's welfare."

"Then," said Rienzi, in an altered tone, "thy request is granted. Thou
mayst add to thy guilt the design of the assassin, but for Rome I would
dare greater danger."

So saying, he motioned to the councillors, who slowly withdrew by
the door which had admitted Villani, while the guards retired to the
farthest extremity of the hall.

"Now, Walter de Montreal, be brief, for thy time is short."

"Senator," said Montreal, "my life can but little profit you; men will
say that you destroyed your creditor in order to cancel your debt. Fix a
sum upon my life, estimate it at the price of a monarch's; every florin
shall be paid to you, and your treasury will be filled for five years
to come. If the 'Buono Stato' depends on your government, what I have
asked, your solicitude for Rome will not permit you to refuse."

"You mistake me, bold robber," said Rienzi, sternly; "your treason I
could guard against, and therefore forgive; your ambition, never! Mark
me, I know you! Place your hand on your heart and say whether, could
we change places, you, as Rienzi, would suffer all the gold of earth
to purchase the life of Walter de Montreal? For men's reading of my
conduct, that must I bear; for mine own reading, mine eyes must be
purged from corruption. I am answerable to God for the trust of Rome.
And Rome trembles while the head of the Grand Company lives in th