CHAPTER X.

NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI. As we reached the street, I expressed the hope that the lady and her stout companion were in safety. The stranger laughed: "Oh, Buonoccorsi, he and La Sirani are no doubt shivering in security by this time; but let us hasten, for although we have barely more than a couple of cross-bow shots to go, our bravos may return and have better luck. St. John! but it was a narrow affair." Our way led back by Santa Felicita, past the Ponte Vecchio, and at length we came to a halt before a small side door,…