Olimpia burst into a shrill laugh, and Angioletto, who had the pluck of a little gamecock, turned to his partner in guilt.
"And you, Madonnetta," he said sweetly, "what do you say to boars head larded?"
Bellaroba giggled in spite of herself—for she was terribly frightened—but again Olimpia, the grand indifferent, pealed her delight. The Captain glared round about him over a tossing sea of bales and asses' ears; getting small joy of that, he scowled portentously at the little minstrel and took a stride forward.
"Look you, sprigling," said he, "you have to do with a man of deeds; a man, by Saint Hercules, of steel."
Angioletto was fired, cheek and eye. He never faltered.
"I wish I had to do with a man of sense," he said.
"If you do not drop that lady's hand, my lad—" growled the Mosca.
"What then, sir?"
"Then," the Captain roared, "by the ante-chambers of Paradise, she shall cling to carrion!"
Bellaroba with a little cry fell to her knees; Olimpia bit her finger; Angioletto shrugged.