But I was anxious to avoid a rupture and gain time.
"I must call and congratulate the lady," I said.
The colonel couldn't very well object to that, but he didn't like it.
"Well, Christina told me she was very busy, but I dare say she'll see you for a few minutes." "I dare say she will," I said dryly.
"I must be off now.

I shall have to be about all day, trying to catch those infernal fellows who destroyed the bills." "You won't be doing any business to-day, then ?" "What, about settling the Government ?" he asked, grinning.

"Not just yet.

Wait till I've got the signorina and the money, and then we'll see about that.

You think about the money, my boy!" Much to my relief he then departed, and as he went out I swore that neither signorina nor money should he ever have.