He was several years in a cavalry regiment and is reputed to have left the service in order to fight with a superior officer whom he disliked.

In reality his straitened means may have had something to do with the step.
At all events he scratched his major rather severely in the duel which took place, and has the reputation of a dangerous man with the sabre.

It is said that the major's wife had something to do with the story.

At present San Miniato is about thirty years of age.

His only known vice is gambling, which is perhaps a chief source of income to him.