“And why so?” asked Bruno.
“Because you are a fine fellow, and men like you are scarce,” was the brigadier’s reply.
“Bah! what’s that to you?” said Bruno; “it will be promotion for you, brigadier.”
“I know it,” replied Paolo, with a look of despair. “And so you mean to deliver yourself up?”
“I surrender,” said Bruno.
“On your honour?” said Paolo.
“On my honour,” replied Bruno; “therefore, you may send all those rascals away. I wish to have nothing more to do with them.”
Paolo Tomassi went to the window.
“You may all of you retire,” he cried; “I will answer for the prisoner: go and report his capture at Messina.” The soldiers shouted for joy.
“And now,” said Bruno to the brigadier, “we will finish the supper these fools interrupted.”