One of them having upset the heap, desisted and came near the Prince.
"That one is deaf," he said, pointing to the sacristan.

Then running behind, him he stood on tiptoe and screamed in his ear--"_Brutta bestia_!" The sacristan did not hear, but caught sight of the urchin and made a lunge at him.

He missed him, however, and nearly fell over.
"What education!--_che educazione_!" cried the old man, angrily.
Meanwhile the little boy took refuge behind Saracinesca, and pulling his coat asked for a _soldo_.

The sacristan calmly withdrew the key from the lock, and went away without vouchsafing a look to the Prince.
"He is deaf," screamed the little boy, who was now joined by his companion, and both in great excitement danced round the fine gentleman.
"Give me a _soldo_," they yelled together.
"Show me the house of the Padre Curato," answered the Prince, "then I will give you each a _soldo.

Lesti!_ Quick!" Whereupon both the boys began turning cart-wheels on their feet and hands with marvellous dexterity.