“Forward, march!” repeated Signor Gianettino his word of command. “Forward to the kitchen of his excellency Cardinal Bernis!”
And with solemn dignity the train began to move.
Don Bempo with a cry of rage rushed upon the fish.
“This fish is mine,” he wildly cried, “I was the first to offer its price, I offered twenty ducats, and only went home to get the money!”
“And I,” exclaimed Signor Gianettino, “I offered thirty-six ducats, and immediately paid the cash, as I always have money by me.”
“It is Signor Gianettino, the cook of the French ambassador, and I am ruined!” groaned Don Bempo, staggering back.
“Yes, it is the cook of his excellency the cardinal!” cried the crowd.
“And the cardinal is an honorable man!”
“He is no Spanish niggard!”
“He does not haggle for a giant fish; he pays more than is demanded!”