"Especially we Germans!"
"So are the Romans, I think; at any rate, most of them. But she often sits gazing so sadly toward the woods, as if longing for something. Her countrywoman will amuse her. I'll buy the animal from you."
"No, no! I don't want to part with her. But,"---his eyes sparkled--"I'll tell you. Take me, the bear, and--" (he was going to say my boy, but as he no longer saw him lying beside the spring, nor in his former place, he checked himself) "into the camp for a few days, till you are tired of the toy."
But both mercenaries shook their heads.
"That won't do! You jugglers and animal tamers are regarded as professional spies."
"The Tribune would have us flogged if we even let you pass through the gate of the camp."
"Well," replied the bear-leader, "I won't sell her, but I'll leave the creature with you a few days; I'll soon come back for her."
"Without pay? That's suspicious!" said Brinno.
"Not without pay!" the other interposed quickly. "Not on any account! I earn my living by her. You must pay me."
"Very well. But listen: is the beast perfectly tame?"