"No, that would be unfair," replied the major, "I am so superior to you."
"Oh, that could be tested by a trial. But first I will get some rum. I am thirsty, and you are so also, no doubt."
"Thanks, I will take some too," replied Bartolomeo.
The corporal disappeared. As soon as the footsteps died away, the major took the cards and stacked them. When the soldier returned with the rum, the major had already taken his place.
"Ah, that tastes good," he said, after he had taken a deep draught.
The corporal drank also and then they sat down again. This time the game was for money, the stakes being a few pennies. After a while, the soldier in the meantime having won repeatedly, the stakes were increased. The major continued to lose, and soon the soldier had won all of Bartolomeo's cash. While the play was going on they drank often, and when Bartolomeo refused to play any more because his money was all gone, the corporal said he would lend him a few lire.
"Ah, if I lose these too," remarked the major, "the time will have gone by for a revenge. It is already past five o'clock."
"Bah—let us play anyhow!" exclaimed the corporal, exhilarated by the money he had won and the liquor he had swallowed.
A slight smile crossed the major's lips. The play began again, but this time the prisoner won. It did not take long before the major had not only won back all his money, but that of the corporal's too, and just as the latter had asked him for a loan a knock was heard at the door.
"Confound it!" exclaimed the corporal, "who is disturbing us now?"