"You see," said he--"ha, ha--we're in a fix--ha, ha--and I want to show them what a revolver is?"
"But you're wasting all your shot."
"Not a bit of it. See?" And saying this he drew a second chamber from his pocket, and taking the first out of the pistol inserted the other. He then fired another shot. All this was the work of a few moments. He then took some cartridges and filled the spare chamber once more.
The Italians looked on this display in great astonishment, exchanging significant glances, particularly when the Doctor changed the chambers. The Americans, on the contrary, took good care to manifest complete indifference. The Italians evidently thought they were all armed like the Doctor. Naturally enough, too, for if not, why should they venture here and talk so loftily to them? So they were puzzled, and in doubt. After a time one who appeared to be their leader stepped aside with two or three of the men, and talked in a low voice, after which he came to Buttons and said:
"Come, then, and we will show you."
"Go on."
The Captain beckoned to his men. Six of them went to the rear. Buttons saw the manoeuvre, and burst into roars of laughter. The Italians looked more puzzled than ever.
"Is that to keep us from getting away?" he cried--"ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Well, well!"
"He's putting a guard behind us. Laugh like fury, boys," said Buttons, in English.
Whereupon they all roared, the tremendous laughter of the Senator coming in with fearful effect.