The Last Lords of Gardonal | Page 9

some moments, and seemed deeply
absorbed in thought. He would rather have met with any other
opponent than the Innominato, whose reputation was well known to
him, and whose learning he dreaded more than the power of any
nobleman--no matter how many armed retainers he could bring against

him.
"I very much suspect," he said at last, "that some deception is being
practised on me. But should my suspicion be correct I shall exact
terrible vengeance. I shall detain you," he continued, turning abruptly
and fiercely on the delegate, "as a hostage while I visit the Innominato;
and if I do not succeed with him, you shall die on the same scaffold as
the son of your podesta."
It was in vain that the delegate protested against being detained as a
prisoner, saying that it was against all rules of knightly usage; but the
baron would not listen to reason, and the unfortunate man was
immediately hurried out of the hall and imprisoned.
Although the baron by no means liked the idea of an interview with the
Innominato, he immediately made preparations to visit him, and the
day after the delegate's arrival he set out on his journey, attended by
only four of his retainers. It should here be mentioned, that it is more
than probable the baron would have avoided meeting the Innominato
on any other occasion whatever, so great was the dislike he had to him.
He seemed to be acting under some fatality; some power seemed to
impel him in his endeavours to obtain Teresa which it was impossible
to account for.
The road chosen by the baron to reach the castle of the Innominato was
rather a circuitous one. In the first place, he did not consider it prudent
to pass through the Valteline; and in the second, he thought that by
visiting his brother on his way he might be able to obtain some
particulars as to the character of the mysterious individual whom he
was about to see, as his reputation would probably be better known
among the inhabitants of the Bergamo district than by those in the
valley of the Engadin.
The baron arrived safely at his brother's castle, where the reports which
had hitherto indistinctly reached him of the wonderful power and skill
of the astrologer were fully confirmed. After remaining a day with his
brother, the baron started for Lecco. Under an assumed name he stayed
here for two days, in order that he might receive the report of one of his

men, whom he had sent forward to ascertain whether the Innominato
had any armed men in his castle; for, being capable of any act of
treachery himself, he naturally suspected treason in others. The man in
due time returned, and reported that, although he had taken great pains
to find out the truth, he was fully convinced, that not only were there no
soldiers in the castle, but that it did not, to the best of his belief, contain
an arm of any kind--the Innominato relying solely on his occult power
for his defence.
Perfectly assured that he had no danger to apprehend, the baron left
Lecco, attended by his retainers, and in a few hours afterwards he
arrived at the Hospice, where his wish for an interview was conveyed
to the astrologer. After some delay a reply was sent that the Innominato
was willing to receive the baron on condition that he came alone, as his
retainers would not be allowed to enter the castle. The baron hesitated
for some moments, not liking to place himself in the power of a man
who, after all, might prove a very dangerous adversary, and who might
even use treacherous means. His love for Teresa Biffi, however, urged
him to accept the invitation, and he accompanied the messenger to the
castle.
The Innominato received his guest with stern courtesy; and, without
even asking him to be seated, requested to know the object of his visit.
"Perhaps I am not altogether unknown to you," said the baron. "I am
lord of the Engadin."
"Frankly," said the Innominato, "your name and reputation are both
well known to me. It would give me great satisfaction were they less
so."
"I regret to hear you speak in that tone," said the baron, evidently
making great efforts to repress his rising passion. "A person in my
position is not likely to be without enemies, but it rather surprises me to
find a man of your reputation so prejudiced against me without having
investigated the accusations laid to my charge."
"You judge wrongly if you imagine that I am so," said the Innominato.

"But once more, will you tell me the object of your visit?"
"I understood," said the baron, "by a message sent to me by the insolent
inhabitants