Contarino.—Illustrious signors, you are witnesses of the wager. My Lord Vitalba, there is my hand on it. A thousand sequins!
The Senator.—Done.
Contarino (smiling).—Many thanks for your gold, signor. I look on it as already in my purse. Flodoardo is a clever gentleman, no doubt, yet I would advise him to take good care of himself; for he will find that Abellino knows a trick or two, or I am much mistaken.
Gonzaga.—May I request your Highness to inform me whether Flodoardo is attended by the sbirri?
Andreas.—No, he is alone. Near four-and-twenty hours have elapsed since he set out in pursuit of the bravo.
Gonzaga (to Contarino, with a smile of triumph).—I wish you joy of your thousand sequins, signor.
Contarino (bowing respectfully).—Since your Excellency prophesies it I can no longer doubt my success.
Memmo.—I begin to recover myself! Well, well! let us see the end.
Three-and-twenty hours had elapsed since Flodoardo had entered into the rash engagement. The four-and-twentieth now hastened to its completion, and yet Flodoardo came not.