Rome | Page 9

consequence to me, as I tell you plainly that as long as Medini is the
banker I will have nothing to do with it."

"I have told Medini about it and wanted to take a third away from the
bank, but he seemed offended and said he would make up any loss to
you, but that he could not have the bank touched."
"Very good, but if he does not bring me my money by to-morrow
morning there will be trouble. Indeed, the responsibility lies with you,
for I have told you that as long as Medini deals I will have nothing to
do with it."
"Of course you have a claim on me for two hundred ounces, but I hope
you will be reasonable; it would be rather hard for me to lose
two-thirds."
Knowing Goudar to be a greater rascal than Medini, I did not believe a
word he said; and I waited impatiently for the end of the game.
At one o'clock it was all over. The lucky punter went off with his
pockets full of gold, and Medini, affecting high spirits, which were
very much out of place, swore his victory should cost him dear.
"Will you kindly give me my two hundred ounces," said I, "for, of
course, Gondar told you that I was out of it?"
"I confess myself indebted to you for that amount, as you absolutely
insist, but pray tell me why you refuse to be interested in the bank
when I am dealing."
"Because I have no confidence in your luck."
"You must see that your words are capable of a very unpleasant
interpretation."
"I can't prevent your interpreting my words as you please, but I have a
right to my own opinion. I want my two hundred ounces, and I am
quite willing to leave you any moneys you propose to make out of the
conqueror of to-night. You must make your arrangements with M.
Goudar, and by noon to-morrow, you, M. Goudar, will bring me that
sum."

"I can't remit you the money till the count gives it me, for I haven't got
any money."
"I am sure you will have some money by twelve o'clock to-morrow
morning. Goodnight."
I would not listen to any of their swindling arguments, and went home
without the slightest doubt that they were trying to cheat me. I resolved
to wash my hands of the whole gang as soon as I had got my money
back by fair means or foul.
At nine the next morning I received a note from Medini, begging me to
call on him and settle the matter. I replied that he must make his
arrangements with Goudar, and I begged to be excused calling on him.
In the course of an hour he paid me a visit, and exerted all his
eloquence to persuade me to take a bill for two hundred ounces,
payable in a week. I gave him a sharp refusal, saying that my business
was with Goudar and Gondar only, and that unless I received the
money by noon I should proceed to extremities. Medini raised his voice,
and told me that my language was offensive; and forthwith I took up a
pistol and placed it against his cheek, ordering him to leave the room.
He turned pale, and went away without a word.
At noon I went to Gondar's without my sword, but with two good
pistols in my pocket. Medini was there, and began by reproaching me
with attempting to assassinate him in my own house.
I took no notice of this, but told Gondar to give me my two hundred
ounces.
Goudar asked Medini to give him the money.
There would undoubtedly have been a quarrel, if I had not been prudent
enough to leave the room, threatening Gondar with ruin if he did not
send on the money directly.
Just as I was leaving the house, the fair Sara put her head out of the

window, and begged me to come up by the back stairs and speak to her.
I begged to be excused, so she said she would come down, and in a
moment she stood beside me.
"You are in the right about your money," she said, "but just at present
my husband has not got any; you really must wait two or three days, I
will guarantee the payment."
"I am really sorry," I replied, "not to be able to oblige such a charming
woman, but the only thing that will pacify me is my money, and till I
have had it, you will see me no more in your house, against which I
declare war."
Thereupon she drew from her finger a diamond ring, worth at least four
hundred ounces, and begged me to accept it as a pledge.