But from that hour he never knew a moment's peace. His action haunted him, he could neither sleep by night nor rest by day. The difference between Francis and Bernardo and himself came vividly before him, he repented of his sin, and as soon as ever his affairs would permit--about a year later--he joined Francis. There are some historians who declare that Ginepro was mad. The majority, however, dispute this, and say that what looked like madness was simply zeal--zeal, perhaps untempered with discretion. Ginepro was devoted, self-sacrificing and faithful. He mourned over his mistakes, and was always ready to acknowledge himself in the wrong. It was with the greatest difficulty that he was taught that he mustn't give away anything, and everything he could lay hands on. When he saw anyone poor or ill-clothed, he would immediately take off his clothes and hand them over. He was at last strictly forbidden to do this. A few days later, he met a poor man who begged from him. "I have nothing," said Ginepro, in great compassion, "which I could give thee but my tunic, and I am under orders not to give that away. But if thou wilt take it off my back I will not resist thee." No sooner said than done, and Ginepro returned home tunicless. When questioned he said-- "A good man took it off my back and went away with it." It was necessary to clear everything portable out of Ginepro's way, because whatever he could lay his hands on he gave to the poor. [Sidenote: _Almost a Murder._] His great humility on one occasion nearly led him to the gallows. There was a cruel tyrant named Nicolas, a nobleman living near Viterbo, whom all the town hated. This man had been warned that someone would come in the guise of a poor beggar and take his life. Nicolas gave orders that the castle was to be strictly guarded. A few days later luckless Ginepro appeared in the vicinity of the castle. On the way thither some young men had seized him, torn his cloak, and covered him with dust, so that he was a sight to behold for rags and dirt! As soon as he came near the castle he was taken as a suspicious character and cruelly beaten. He was asked who he was. "I am a great sinner," was the answer. He certainly looked like a ruffian! When further asked his designs he explained, "I am a great traitor, and unworthy of any mercy." Then they asked if he meant to burn the castle and kill Nicolas. "Worse things than these would I do, only for God," he replied. Such a hardened, boldfaced criminal never stood before a bar! He was taken, tied to a horse's tail, and dragged through the town to the gallows. If it had not been for the intervention of a good man in the crowd, who knew the friars, he would have been hung. [Sidenote: _Ginepro's Dinner._] "Brother Ginepro," said one of the friars one day, "we are all going out, and by the time we come back will you have got us a little refreshment?" "Most willingly," said Ginepro, "leave it to me."