He looked at me askance. "Your mule, magnificent? said he.
"You have forgotten me, I think--forgotten the lad in rusty black who rode
this way last autumn and whom you robbed."
At the words be turned a sickly yellow, and fell to trembling and babbling
protestations and excuses.
"Have done," I broke in. "You would not buy the mule then. You shall buy
it now, and pay for it with interest."
"What is this, Agostino?" quoth Galeotto at my elbow. "An act of justice,
sir," I answered shortly, whereupon he questioned me no further, but looked
on with a grim smile. Then to the taverner, "Your manners to-day are not
quite the same as on the last occasion when we met. I spare you the
gallows that you may live to profit by the lesson of your present near
escape. And now, rogue, ten ducats for that mule." And I held out my
hand.
"Ten ducats!" he cried, and gathering courage perhaps since he was not to
hang. "It is twice the value of the beast," he protested.
"I know," I said. "It will be five ducats for the mule, and five for your
life. I am merciful to rate the latter as cheaply as it deserves. Come,
thief, the ten ducats without more ado, or I'll burn your nest of infamy
and hang you above the ruins."
He cowered and shrivelled. Then he scuttled within doors to fetch the
money, whilst Galeotto laughed deep in his throat.
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