The landlord was sitting down to a little game of dominoes with his friends when Benham reappeared in the sunlight of the doorway. There was no misunderstanding Benham's expression.
For a moment the landlord was disposed to be defiant. Then he changed his mind. Benham's earnest face was within a yard of his own, and a threatening forefinger was almost touching his nose.
“Albergo cattivissimo,” said Benham. “Cattivissimo! Pranzo cattivissimo 'orrido. Cavallo cattivissimo, dangerousissimo. Gioco abominablissimo, damnissimo. Capisce. Eh?” [*]
* This is vile Italian. It may—with a certain charity to
Benham—be rendered: “The beastliest inn! The beastliest!
The beastliest, most awful lunch! The vilest horse! Most
dangerous! Abominable trick! Understand?”
The landlord made deprecatory gestures.
“YOU understand all right,” said Benham. “Da me il argento per il carozzo. Subito?” [*]
* “Give me back the money for the carriage. QUICKLY!”
The landlord was understood to ask whether the signor no longer wished for the carriage.
“SUBITO!” cried Benham, and giving way to a long-restrained impulse seized the padrone by the collar of his coat and shook him vigorously.
There were dissuasive noises from the company, but no attempt at rescue. Benham released his hold.