"Signor—" began Hal, but the officer paid no attention to him, and continued to wave his arms violently about.
"You can't get his attention that way," said Chester. "Let me try."
He grasped the Italian officer roughly by the arm and whirled him about.
Immediately the latter's arms ceased their violent gesticulations and he turned an angry face upon Chester.
"How dare you lay your hands upon an officer of the king?" he demanded in a harsh voice.
His hand dropped to his holster.
"Here! Here!" exclaimed Hal. "Hold your horses now and don't get excited.
We've come to tell you something about that paper you lost."
"Ah!" cried the Italian. "So you have it, eh? Give it to me!"
He held out a hand expectantly.
"No, we haven't it," replied Hal, "but—"