VASILI

Monsieur Ribiere is sometimes a fool.

MARIANO

[in a hoarse whisper]

Monsieur, this convict is a Russian.

[VASILI waves him away somewhat curtly.]

[Exit MARIANO, shaking his head, carrying the key with him.]

PIKE

Two companies of soldiers! A town marshal out my way would 'a' had him yesterday.

VASILI