Chapter 7

But the next instant his courage and his purpose had returned. The horse was upon him. Swift as thought, Francisco leaped and clutched the bridle in a hand of steel. But the mad impetus defeated him. He was dragged forward like a reed; only his own great strength for the moment saved him. And now his wild shouts were added to the rider's. He struck upward with his dagger; he tore blindly. "Do you not know me, Visconti?" he called. "Do you not know me?" But his dagger was dashed from him. The horse's foam blinded hi…