"Pietro," said O'Mally, teetering, "have you ever waited for money from home?"
Pietro puffed studiously, separating each word with all the care of a naturalist opening the wings of some new butterfly. He made a negative sign.
"Well, don't you ever wait. There's nothing to it. But I've got an idea."
Pietro expressed some surprise.
"Yes, and a good idea, too. If any tourists come to-day, I propose to show them round the place." O'Mally was quite in earnest.
Pietro's eyes flashed angrily. "No, no! Mine, all mine!"
"Oh, I'm not going to rob you. I'll give you the tips, amico. What I want is the fun of the thing. Comprendery?"
Pietro understood; that was different. If his Excellency would pay over to him the receipts, he could conduct the tourists as often as he pleased. Yes. To him it was tiresome. Most people were fools.
"Let's begin the lesson, then."
"Come sta?" said Pietro, shifting his pipe.