“Ah!”

“He started,” said Adina in a low voice. “Don’t pull your moustaches, sergeant,” said she in a louder voice.

“Always obey orders; well, in six days?”

“Wel-l-l-l—Per-hap-p-p-s.”

“Victory, victory. As sure as I’m a sergeant!”

“Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah!” laughed Nemorino.

“Oh, oh! he’s actually laughing.” And somebody was almost crying.

“What’s that donkey laughing at?” shouted the sergeant. “If he don’t retreat I shall charge him.”

“Oh, I—could—bite—my—fingers—off—with—rage—he—don’t—seem—to—care—in—the—least.”

“Ah, ah!” thought the donkey; “wait till to-morrow, brave sergeant; wait till to-morrow!”