“Take my advice, Francesco, and leave the brandy alone.”
Francesco did not reply, but he became more and more bent on his design.
He watched the captain, and ascertained where he kept his secret store. Then he watched his opportunity to help himself. It was some time before he had an opportunity to do so unobserved, but at length the chance came.
The first draught brought light to his eyes, and made him smack his lips with enjoyment. It was so long since he had tasted the forbidden nectar that he drank again and again. Finally he found himself overcome by his potations, and sank upon the ground in a drunken stupor.
He was getting over the effects when, to his ill-luck, the captain returned from his usual solitary ramble.
“He has been at my brandy!” Captain Hill said to himself, with flaming eyes. “The fool shall pay dearly for his temerity.”
He advanced hastily to the prostrate man, and administered a severe kick, which at once aroused the half-stupefied man.
Francesco looked up with alarm, for the captain was a much larger and stronger man than himself.
“Pardon, signor captain,” he entreated.
“You have been drinking my brandy, you beast,” said Captain Hill, furiously.