'Well conceived!' cried Beppo on that note of ready laughter. 'No better conception is possible in your present pass. You snatch victory from defeat.' His confidence inspired them visibly. Then Vignate asked a question: 'What is Facino's force at Pavone? Is it known?' 'Some four or five hundred men. No more. With half that number you could overpower them if you took them by surprise.' 'I do not run unnecessary risks. I'll take six hundred.' 'Your lordship has decided, then?' said the tall captain. 'What else, Rocco?' Rocco fingered his bearded chin. 'It should succeed. I'd be easier if I were sure the enveloping movement could be made without giving the alarm.' Unbidden the audacious Messer Beppo broke into their counsel. 'Aye, that's the difficulty. But it can be overcome. That is where I can serve you; I and my three hundred lances. I move them round during the day wide of the lines and bring up behind Pavone, at Pietramarazzi. At the concerted hour I push them forward, right up against Facino's rear, and at the moment that you attack in front I charge from behind, and the envelopment is made.' 'But how to know each other in the dark?' said Rocco. 'Your force and ours might come to grips, each supposing the other to be Facino's.' 'My men shall wear their shirts over their armour if yours will do the same.' 'Lord of Heaven!' said Vignate. 'You have it all thought out.' 'That is my way. That is how I succeed.' Vignate heaved himself up. On his broad face it was to be read that he had made up his mind. 'Let it be to-night, then. There is no gain in delay, nor can our stomachs brook it. You are to be depended upon, Captain Farfalla?' 'If we come to terms,' said Beppo easily. 'I'm not in the business for the love of adventure.' Vignate's countenance sobered from its elation. His eyes narrowed. He became the man of affairs. 'And your terms?' quoth he. 'A year's employment for myself and my condotta at a monthly stipend of fifteen thousand gold florins.' 'God of Heaven!' Vignate ejaculated. 'Is that all?' And he laughed scornfully. 'It is for your lordship to refuse.' 'It is for you to be reasonable. Fifteen thou ... Besides, I don't want your condotta for a year.' 'But I prefer the security of a year's employment. It is security for you, too, of a sort. You'll be well served.' 'Ten thousand florins for your assistance in this job,' said Vignate firmly. 'I'll be wishing you good morning,' said Messer Beppo as firmly. 'I know my value.' 'You take advantage of my urgent needs,' Vignate complained. 'And you forget what you already owe me for having risked my neck in coming here.' After that they haggled for a full half-hour, and if guarantees of Messer Beppo's good faith had been lacking, they had it in the tenacity with which he clung to his demands.