"Supper over, I was allowed to retire to a room and a bed that had been prepared for me. I slept fifteen hours without waking. The robbers had the politeness not to disturb me till I awakened of my own accord. Then, however, five of them entered my room, each carrying a bass. I chose the best, and they made firewood of the others.
"When I had made my choice, they told me the captain was waiting dinner for me; and accordingly, on entering the principal room of the inn, I found a table spread for the captain, Mademoiselle Rina, the lieutenant, and myself. There were several other tables for the rest of the banditti. The room was lighted up with at least three hundred wax candles.
"The dinner was a merry one. The robbers were really very good sort of people, and the captain was in an excellent humour. When the feasting was over,
"'You have not forgotten your promise, Rina, I hope?' said he.
"'Certainly not,' was the reply. 'In a quarter of an hour I am ready.'
"So saying, she skipped out of the room.
"'And you, Signor Musico,' said the captain, 'I hope you are going to distinguish yourself.'
"'I will do my best, captain.'
"'If I am satisfied, you shall have back your hundred crowns.'