"Oh, you can remedy that," said the corporal, laughing.
"How so? What do you mean?" asked Bartolomeo.
"Well, you see, I know that you are a good card-player. To-morrow I must shoot you, and before doing so I came here to ask you to do me a favor. Will you please teach me ecarte?"
"With pleasure," replied the major.
"Good; then let us begin," said the soldier, gleefully, and pulling a pack of cards out of his pocket, he threw them on a chair and went away, returning shortly afterward with a drum.
The major seated himself on a chair, the corporal on the bed, and the drum served as a table.
The corporal was a good scholar and soon learned the elements of the game. Bartolomeo was delighted. He dealt, picked up, trumped, and forgot entirely that in a few hours he would be shot.
When the clock struck four, the young man had won twice, and he proudly exclaimed:
"If my luck continues, I will be ahead of you soon. Couldn't we play for money?"