Pagina 578 de 1118

Drawing from his pocket some berlinghe, he gave them to Tanabuso,

saying, "Wait here till my return; and in the mean time amuse

yourselves with these honest people." Then presenting to the

chief of the band some crowns of gold for himself and his

companions, he ascended the path with Griso.

Another bravo belonging to the Unknown, who was on his way to the

castle, bore him company; thus sparing him the trouble of

declaring his name to whomsoever he should meet. When he arrived

at the castle (Griso was left at the gate) he was conducted

through a long succession of dark galleries, and various halls

hung with muskets, sabres, and other weapons of warfare; each of

these halls was guarded by a bravo. After having waited some

time, he was admitted to the presence of the Unknown, who

advanced to meet him, replying to his salutation, and at the same

time, as was his custom, even with his oldest friends, eying him

from head to foot.