"Is the Cavaliere Paolo Baglioni within?" I asked as I dismounted, taking it for granted I was to be received, from the preparation I saw was made.
With a warning glance to Jacopo I stepped in, finding myself in a hall of middle size, the walls discoloured with age, and chipped and cracked in many places--clearly the Casino Baglioni needed repairs. At the end of the hall was a spiral staircase, whose stone steps, worn to a hollow in the middle, by the passing and repassing of feet, marked its great age. Up this narrow stairway I followed the man, until we reached a corridor, hung on each side with rusty suits of armour, and old and tattered banners. The place was very damp, and there was a musty smell about it, as if no pure air ever came that way. It was evident that the cavaliere was on the alert, for a man was on guard here, armed like those below, with sword and arquebus. To him my guide addressed himself.
"He has come," he said, jerking his thumb backwards at me.
"That is for you," answered the janitor, "I had enough of Pluto this morning." With this he turned on his heel and ran back downstairs, jingling his keys.
The sentry stood still, however, and after waiting for half a minute, I spoke, my blood rising a little within me.
"Will you be good enough to announce the Cavaliere di Savelli--on an urgent affair?"
The man turned round to a closed door behind him, rapping at it with his mailed hand. From inside I heard a shuffling noise, a heavy body lurched against the door, and there was a scratching at the wood. No answer, however, came to the knock.
"Knock again," I said, a little impatiently, and this time a deep voice called out--
I placed my hand on the door to open it when the sentry spoke with unexpected civility.
"The beast--what beast?" I asked, pretending not to know anything of Pluto's existence.
"His excellency's bear--do not fear it--else it might injure you--_cospetto!_ But it is a perfect fiend if you run from it. It killed a poor woman the other day."
"Thanks, friend, I will beware," I answered, and pushed open the door, springing back a yard as I did so, for with a short roar that echoed through the house, a huge bear rose on his hind legs, and struck out at my face with his claws.