"What is the penalty for those condemned to death?"
The rat would throw itself flat on the ground, and lie motionless, as if to appear dead.
Benedetto was the only one who was not amused. Whenever the rat came near him he would tremble violently. If Anselmo saw it he would make sarcastic remarks about princely ways, which caused Benedetto to grind his teeth with rage. His only desire now was to get away from his comrades in chains. But there was little hope for this, more especially as he heard a jailer one day tell Anselmo he should get rid of his grumbling companion; if the rat were to support the petition it would not be difficult, and the ex-priest laughingly replied:
"Not a bit of it; Benedetto is just as agreeable to me as another; let us leave things as they are!"
As soon as the jailer turned away, Benedetto, mad with rage, turned to the ex-priest and said:
"Why won't you free me from your society?"
"Because I do not wish to have any strange face about me," was the indifferent reply. "You do not embarrass me in the least, and as I do not embarrass you—"
"On the contrary, you are distasteful to me," interrupted Benedetto, violently.
"Really? Your candor pleases me. Under all circumstances, we shall stay together."
"And suppose I kill you?" hissed Benedetto.