"'Why do you go to those sort of people?'
"'I found out my mistake too late.'
"'Come along with me to the police-office.'
"'But, your excellency—since I have stolen nothing?'
"'Idiot, that's the very reason. If you had stolen something, we might have arranged matters.'
"'Only wait till next time. I shall not always be so unfortunate. I promise you the contents of the pocket of the next person who passes.'
"'Very good; but I will select the individual, or else you will be making a bad choice again.'
"'As your excellency pleases.'
"The sbirro folded his arms in a most dignified manner, and leaned his back against a post; the lazzarone stretched himself on the pavement at his feet. A priest came by, then a lawyer, then a poet; but the sbirro made no sign. At last there appeared a young officer, dressed in brilliant uniform, who passed gaily along, humming between his teeth a tune out of the last opera. The sbirro gave the signal. Up sprang the lazzarone and followed the officer. Both disappeared round a corner. Presently the lazzarone returned with his ransom in his hand.
"'What have you got there?' said the sbirro.