‘You appear to me to want more,’ said the lieutenant audibly to himself; and he repeated words to the same effect to his companion, in bad German.

‘Eh?  You would promote him to another epaulette?’ laughed Captain Weisspriess.  ’Come off.  Orders are direct against it.  And we’re in Milan—­not like being in Verona!  And my good fellow! remember your bet; the dozen of iced Rudesheimer.  I want to drink my share, and dream I’m quartered in Mainz—­the only place for an Austrian when he quits Vienna.  Come.’

’No; but if this is the villain who attacked me, and tore my coat from my back,’ cried Wilfrid, screwing in his saddle.

’And took your letter took your letter; a particular letter; we have heard of it,’ said Weisspriess.

The lieutenant exclaimed that he should overhaul and examine the man, and see whether he thought fit to give him into custody.  Weisspriess laid hand on his bridle.

’Take my advice, and don’t provoke a disturbance in the streets.  The truth is, you Englishmen and Irishmen get us a bad name among these natives.  If this is the man who unhorsed you and maltreated you, and committed the rape of the letter, I’m afraid you won’t get satisfaction out of him, to judge by his look.  I’m really afraid not.  Try it if you like.  In any case, if you halt, I am compelled to quit your society, which is sometimes infinitely diverting.  Let me remind you that you bear despatches.  The other day they were verbal ones; you are now carrying paper.’

‘Are you anxious to teach me my duty, Captain Weisspriess?’

’If you don’t know it.  I said I would “remind you.”  I can also teach you, if you need it.’

’And I can pay you for the instruction, whenever you are disposed to receive payment.’

‘Settle your outstanding claims, my good Pierson!’

‘When I have fought Jenna?’

‘Oh! you’re a Prussian—­a Prussian!’ Captain Weisspriess laughed.  ’A Prussian, I mean, in your gross way of blurting out everything.  I’ve marched and messed with Prussians—­with oxen.’

’I am, as you are aware, an Englishman, Captain Weisspriess.  I am due to Lieutenant Jenna for the present.  After that you or any one may command me.’

‘As you please,’ said Weisspriess, drawing out one stream of his moustache.  ’In the meantime, thank me for luring you away from the chances of a street row.’

Barto Rizzo was left behind, and they rode on to the Duomo.  Glancing up at its pinnacles, Weisspriess said: 

’How splendidly Flatschmann’s jagers would pick them off from there, now, if the dogs were giving trouble in this part of the city!’