“My orders are that none is to pass--not even the Governor himself,” he answered firmly. It was very daring of Cosimo, and I saw his aim. He was, as Gambara had said, a very subtle gentleman. He, too, had set his finger upon the pulse of the populace, and perceived what might be expected of it. He was athirst for vengeance, as he had shown me, and determined that neither I nor Gambara should escape. First, I must be tried, condemned, and hanged, and then he trusted, no doubt, that Gambara would be torn in pieces; and it was quite possible that Messer Cosimo himself would secretly find means to fan the mob's indignation against the Legate into fierce activity. And it seemed that the game was in his hands, for this officer's resoluteness showed how implicitly my cousin was obeyed. Of that same resoluteness of the lieutenant's I was to have a yet more signal proof. For presently, whilst still I stood there vainly remonstrating, down the street behind me rode Gambara himself on a tall horse, followed by a mule-litter and an escort of half a score of armed grooms. He uttered an exclamation when he saw me still there, the gate shut and the officer in talk with me. He spurred quickly forward. “How is this?” he demanded haughtily and angrily. “This man rides upon the business of the State. Why this delay to open for him?” “My orders,” said the lieutenant, civilly but firmly, “are that none passes out to-night.” “Do you know me?” demanded Gambara. “Yes, my lord.” “And you dare talk to me of your orders? There are no orders here in Piacenza but my orders. Set me wide the wicket of that gate. I myself must pass.” “My lord, I dare not.” “You are insubordinate,” said the Legate, of a sudden very cold. He had no need to ask whose orders were these. At once he saw the trammel spread for him. But if Messer Cosimo was subtle, so, too, was Messer Gambara. By not so much as a word did he set his authority in question with the officer. “You are insubordinate,” was all he answered him, and then to the two men-at-arms behind the lieutenant--“Ho, there!” he called. “Bring out the guard. I am Egidio Gambara, your Governor.” So calm and firm and full of assurance was his tone, so unquestionable his right to command them, that the men sprang instantly to obey him. “What would you do, my lord?” quoth the officer, and he seemed daunted. “Buffoon,” said Gambara between his teeth. “You shall see.” Six men came hurrying from the gatehouse, and the Cardinal called to them. “Let the corporal stand forth,” he said. A man advanced a pace from the rank they had hastily formed and saluted. “Place me your officer under arrest,” said the Legate coldly, advancing no reason for the order. “Let him be locked in the gatehouse until my return; and do you, sir corporal, take command here meanwhile.”