I've got to write to my directors and ask instructions for the investment of the money." "You'll live to be hanged, Martin," said the colonel, with evident admiration.
"Not by you, eh, colonel?
Whatever might have happened if I'd been obstinate! Hope I shall survive to dance at your wedding, anyhow.

Less than a week now!" "Yes," said he, "it's Sunday (though, by Jove! I'd forgotten it), and next Saturday's the day!" He really looked quite the happy bridegroom as he said this, and I left him to contemplate his bliss.
"I would bet ten to one that day never comes," I thought, as I walked away.

"Even if I don't win, I'll back the President to be back before that." The colonel's greed had triumphed over his wits, and he had fallen into my snare with greater readiness than I could have hoped.

The question remained, What would the president do when he got the signorina's letter?
It may conduce to a better understanding of the position if I tell what that letter was.

She gave it me to read over, after we had compiled it together, and I still have my copy.