Under his prominent eyebrows twinkled very small eyes, and a cruel, withering smile played about his mouth.
He made an imperious gesture to the woman and pointed to the door.

She left the room grumbling, but gave no other evidence of dissatisfaction.
The ruffian shut the door, took a chair, and said to the stranger, in a rough and coarse voice: "_Perche me disturba ?_ Why do you disturb me?
Who are you ?" This question was very embarrassing to the stranger.

He replied, stammering: "Is it necessary, Signor Bufferio, that you should know my name before doing me a service for which I will pay you liberally ?" On hearing these words, the ruffian struck his forehead with his hand, as if he thought he recognized the voice of the visitor; but he did not stop to reflect longer.
"Come tell me quickly what you want; they are waiting for me at the tavern of the _Silver Dice_, and I have no time to lose." "It is an affair of importance, Signor Bufferio." "Yes; my wife told me I might gain a few crowns of gold.Speak.Why do you beat about the bush in this manner?
What embarrasses you?
Do you think you are dealing with a dishonest man?
Fear nothing.

Not a hair of your head shall be touched in my house." This assurance restored the stranger's confidence, and he said, in a more steady voice: "Signor Bufferio, you must know that I have an enemy who insults and outrages me, and who threatens to drive me to ruin." "I understand.

You wish to be avenged by my instrumentality." "Yes, signor.