The count offered him his sword, but the major nobly refused to take it, and escorted him to the room he was to occupy.

Soon after, a servant in livery brought a bed and a trunk, and the next morning the same servant, knocking at my door, told me that his master begged the honour of my company to breakfast.

I accepted the invitation, and he received me with these words: "Dear sir, there has been so much talk in Venice about the skill with which you proved your incredible alibi, that I could not help asking for the honour of your acquaintance." "But, count, the alibi being a true one, there can be no skill required to prove it.

Allow me to say that those who doubt its truth are paying me a very poor compliment, for--" "Never mind; do not let us talk any more of that, and forgive me.

But as we happen to be companions in misfortune, I trust you will not refuse me your friendship.