Memmo.--I have heard a thousand stories about this miscreant, the
one more wonderful than the other; and for my own part I verily
believe that he is Satan himself in a human form. I must say that I
think it would be wiser not to let him be brought in among us, for
he is capable of strangling us all as we stand here, one after
another, without mercy.
"Gracious Heaven!" screamed several of the ladies, "you don't say
so? What, strangle us in this very chamber?"
Contarino.--The principal point is, whether Flodoardo will get the
better of HIM, or HE of Flodoardo. Now I would lay a heavy wager
that the Florentine will return without having finished the
business.
A Senator.--And I would engage, on the contrary, that there is but
one man in Venice who is capable of seizing Abellino, and that THAT
man is Flodoardo of Florence. The moment that I became acquainted
with him, I prophesied that one day or other he would play a
brilliant part in the annals of history.
Another Senator.--I think with you, signor. Never was I so struck
with a man at first sight as I was with Flodoardo.
Contarino.--A thousand sequins on Abellino's not being taken, unless
death should have taken him first.
The First Senator.--A thousand sequins on Flodoardo seizing him Andreas.--And delivering him up to me, either alive or dead.
Contarino.--Illustrious signors, you are witnesses of the wager. My
Lord Vitalba, there is my hand on it. A thousand sequins!
The Senator.--Done.
Contarino (smiling).--Many thanks for your gold, signor. I look on
it as already in my purse. Flodoardo is a clever gentleman, no
doubt, yet I would advise him to take good care of himself; for he
will find that Abellino knows a trick or two, or I am much mistaken.
Gonzaga.--May I request your Highness to inform me whether Flodoardo
is attended by the sbirri?
Andreas.--No, he is alone. Near four-and-twenty hours have elapsed
since he set out in pursuit of the bravo.
Gonzaga (to Contarino, with a smile of triumph).--I wish you joy of
your thousand sequins, signor.
Contarino (bowing respectfully).--Since your Excellency prophesies
it I can no longer doubt my success.
Memmo.--I begin to recover myself! Well, well! let us see the end.
Three-and-twenty hours had elapsed since Flodoardo had entered into
the rash engagement. The four-and-twentieth now hastened to its
completion, and yet Flodoardo came not.