“It depends upon how I have been spoken of to your excellency,” said Bruno, “for I have more than one reputation.”
“Good,” continued the prince; “I see you are not deficient in ability or resolution; I admire brave men, let me meet with them where I will. Listen to me; will you change your Calabrian dress for the uniform of a captain and fight against the French? I will raise a company for you on my own estates, and purchase your epaulettes.”
“Thank you, my lord, thank you,” said Bruno, “your offer is like that of a magnificent prince; but I have a certain act of vengeance to accomplish that will keep me for some time longer in Sicily; after that we shall see.”
“Well,” said the prince, “you are free; but, believe me, you had better accept my offer.”
“I cannot, your excellency,” said Bruno.
“Well then,” said the prince, “here is the money you asked for; go to the devil with it, and take care you don’t get yourself hanged on the gibbet opposite my door on the Place de la Marine.”
Bruno balanced the purse in his hand.
“It seems to me that the purse is very heavy, my lord,” said he.
“That is because I did not wish a fellow like you should be able to brag that he had fixed a limit to the liberality of the Prince of Butera; so, instead of the two hundred ounces of gold you asked for, I have put three hundred in the purse.”
“Whatever sum you have been pleased to bring, my lord, it shall be faithfully returned to you,” said Bruno.