Page:The Song of the Sirens.djvu/343



She took another pace.

A man at arms on either side seized her by the elbows.

She took another pace.

Then, all at once, Melozzo realized that he was held stationary to watch her being led to the block.

It took every thew of his eleven guards to hold him fast. Like a wild beast he strained and strove.

In vain!

His fury of effort had blinded him. In his relaxed helplessness his sight cleared.

He saw Fabrizia kneel.

He shut his eyes, he could not look.

He kept his eyes closed until the gripping hands loosened and he stood free.

Then he gazed, he saw the huddle of silk that had been her body, the spout of blood across the stones, the head, the head, red neck up!

He looked away, looked about him.

Beside him stood Bauro, no longer florid and ruddy, but lead-gray all over his huge face.

Then he was aware of a page offering him a sword-belt. The belt was new, but he recognized his own dagger and sword which he had hidden in the cleft-rock.

"Gird yourself, Messer Melozzo," spoke Bauro.

Mechanically he fastened the belt about him.