CHAPTER IV.
THE COUNCIL BANQUET.
As Solomon and Pietro returned to their hospital headquarters they were met by the same officer of the early morning. He handed Solomon a small packet, and commanded him to read it at once. Solomon obeyed. It contained three papers—one a brief message and two others evidently letters of introduction, one for each of the strangers. The message came direct from Don Abraham, and was as follows: “I am ordered to attend the Emperor in person at the front. Keep yourself in readiness to attend at any moment. The emperor delays his attack because each moment surrounds his opponent’s rear with new assailants. The battle will be fierce and decisive, and the emperor expects a desperate assault on himself. The other side may anticipate a similar movement. We have friends in the opposite ranks.” The other papers contained expressions of recognition and recommendation to be used in case the writer might be unable at a later moment to present these recipients in person. A verbal answer sufficed, and Solomon pledged himself to prompt compliance.
“Your lives depend on strict attention,” said the officer, and quickly rode away.
50
