e
plotting brain and the daring heart of Walter de Montreal. Man--wealthy,
great, and subtle as you are, your hours are numbered; with the rise of
the sun you die!"

Montreal's eyes, fixed upon the Senator's face, saw hope was over; his
pride and his fortitude returned to him.

"We have wasted words," said he. "I played for a great stake, I have
lost, and must pay the forfeit! I am prepared. On the threshold of the
Unknown World, the dark spirit of prophecy rushes into us. Lord Senator,
I go before thee to announce--that in Heaven or in Hell--ere many days
be over, room must be given to one mightier than I am!"

As he spoke, his form dilated, his eye glared; and Rienzi, cowering as
never had he cowered before, shrunk back, and shaded his face with his
hand.

"The manner of your death?" he asked, in a hollow voice.

"The axe: it is that which befits knight and warrior. For thee, Senator,
Fate hath a less noble death."

"Robber be dumb!" cried Rienzi, passionately; "Guards, bear back the
prisoner. At sunrise, Montreal--"

"Sets the sun of the scourge of Italy," said the Knight, bitterly. "Be
it so. One request more; the Knights of St. John claim affinity with the
Augustine order; grant me an Augustine confessor."

"It is granted; and in return for thy denunciations, I, who can give
thee no earthly mercy, will implore the Judge of all for pardon to thy
soul!"

"Senator, I have done with man's mediation. My brethren? Their deaths
are not necessary to thy safety or thy revenge!"

Rienzi mused a moment: "No," said he, "dangerous tools they were, but
without the workman they may rust unharming. They served me once, too.
Prisoner, their lives are spared."

Chapter 10.V. The Discovery.

The Council was broken up--Rienzi hastened to his own apartments.
Meeting Villani by the way, he pressed the youth's hand affectionately.
"You have saved Rome and me from great peril," said he; "the saints
reward you!" Without tarrying for Villani's answer, he hurried on. Nina,
anxious and perturbed, awaited him in their chamber.

"Not a-bed yet?" said he: "fie, Nina, even thy beauty will not stand
these vigils."

"I could not rest till I had seen thee. I hear (all Rome has heard it
ere this) that thou hast seized Walter de Montreal, and that he will
perish by the headsman."

"The first robber that ever died so brave a death," returned Rienzi,
slowly unrobing himself.

"Cola, I have never crossed your schemes,--your poli