equipage, by tomorrow it might be too
“Then he will be able to give us an answer tonight.”
“Oh, I expect him every minute.”
At this instant the door opened, and the head of Signor Pastrini appeared. “ Permesso? ” inquired he.
“Certainly—certainly,” cried Franz. “Come in, my host.”
“Now, then,” asked Albert eagerly, “have you found the desired cart and oxen?”
“Better than that!” replied Signor Pastrini, with the air of a man perfectly well satisfied with himself.
“Take care, my worthy host,” said Albert, “ better is a sure enemy to well .”
“Let your excellencies only leave the matter to me,” returned Signor Pastrini in a tone indicative of unbounded self-confidence.
“But what have you done?” asked Franz. “Speak out, there’s a worthy fellow.”
“Your excellencies are aware,” responded the landlord, swelling with importance, “that the Count of Monte