Without hesitating, the negro laid the sum of 3,000 lire in bank-notes on the window and put the tickets in his pocket. Thereupon he drew his arm under that of the impresario and pointed to the stage.
"I do not understand," stammered Salvani. "You want to go on the stage?"
"Yes."
"Then follow me."
Salvani walked down a small stairway and soon stood, with the negro, on the dimly lighted stage. The Nubian walked in front of the prompter's box and pointed so expressively toward the parterre and the parquet, that the impresario at once knew what he wanted.
"You want to buy the rest of the seats unsold?" he hastily asked.
"Yes."
"The places cost originally five, four and three lire."
"Yes."
"Well, I would be a fool if I did not take a hand in."