He came, and we indulged in crimination and recrimination.
When we could regard the situation calmly, it became apparent that the time-table had been changed two days before, the 6.11 now leaving at 5.58. A facchino came in, and we four sat down and regarded the situation judicially.
"Was there any other train?"
"No."
"Could we stay at the Albergo del Sole?"
A forefinger drawn across the throat by the Capo Stazione with a significant "cluck" closed that question.
"Then we must stay with you here at the station."
"But, Signori, I am not married. I live here only with the facchini. I have only one room to sleep in. It is impossible!"
"But we must sleep somewhere, likewise eat. What can we do?" and we shifted the responsibility deftly on the shoulders of the poor old man, who was growing excited again.
He trotted nervously up and down the station for a minute, then he called the facchino. "Giuseppe, go up to the villa and ask if two forestieri who have missed the last train can stay there all night!"