"Leave us," continued Della Scala with angry eyes. "And learn from yonder soldiers to play the man, and wear a leathern jacket with more grace than a silken doublet. I am ashamed of thee, Vincenzo." D'Este's beautiful face flushed crimson. "'Tis not always the leathern jacket comes out best at time of need, my lord," he said defiantly. "Try me in it in a fight." Della Scala's glance softened; he laid his hand on the boy's shoulder gently. "Thou art a d'Este and my brother, Vincenzo. I do not fear thy behavior in battle, only learn the harder part--to bear thyself while waiting." Vincenzo was melted, but not caring to show it before Conrad, left the tent without reply. "He hath the makings of a soldier in him for all his willfulness. I pray you pardon his present idleness, my lord, and hold me as the cause," said Conrad. "I should have roused him sooner." Mastino glanced around. It was the first time he had entered the German's abode, and the lavishness of its appointments were not to his taste. "This is an hour of great need, Count," he said gravely. "The downfall of Visconti cannot mean to you what it does to me--it cannot mean so much to any man--but am I not right in thinking it means all to you to see the Lady Valentine Visconti free?" "All! All I care for under heaven. By all the saints, Prince, I will give my right arm to serve your cause, since it serves her," cried Conrad. Della Scala's brown eyes observed him keenly. "I will ask a service of you, Count," he said; "not thy right hand, nor any feat of knight-errantry, but something full as difficult to render." "Even if it be living on roots in a dungeon, I will do it!" And, excited at the thought of some adventure, Count Conrad waited expectantly, his hand upon his sword. The Prince smiled sadly. "I fear it is a harder task than that, Count Conrad, and so distasteful that I would not burden you with it were there any other worthy to entrust with it," he said. "But all the men here are mercenaries--Captain Vanvitelli is a boor; Ligozzi goes with me to Brescia, whither I am instantly bound to confer with Ferrara." "Prince, I am proud to execute your commands," interrupted Conrad eagerly. Della Scala turned to Ligozzi, who stood silent behind him. "See that no one listens," he said; and as Ligozzi disappeared and Mastino drew nearer to him, the Count fell back, impressed by the eagerness of the noble face. But the Prince took him by the hand affectionately. "Dost thou remember the huts outside thy villa, Conrad--and Francisco who rescued thee? I am giving thee a trust. For his sake wilt thou be faithful?" "To the death!" cried Conrad. "Prince, I will be faithful to the death!"