"No, signor, neither; but his appearance gives one a terrible shock, he is so wild-looking, and, besides, he mutters fearful curses! Holy Virgin, protect us!"
Maximilian felt his curiosity aroused; a strange desire took possession of him to see and speak with this singular madman, who frequented the gladiators' courts and muttered fearful curses to the broken columns of the Colosseum.
"Where is the maniac now?" he demanded of the guides. "Do you see him?"
"Heaven forbid!" replied one of the men, glancing about him uneasily.
"But where is he? Can you take us to him?" persisted Maximilian.
The cicerones looked at each other in amazement; the young soldier's questions startled them. Valentine was not less amazed and startled than the guides; she stared at her husband, speechless at the strange interest he displayed in this miserable outcast.
"Can you take us to him?" repeated Maximilian.
"Signor," said the guide belonging to the hôtel, "you are jesting!"
"I am not jesting, I am in earnest," said M. Morrel. "Answer my question."