Volume II Part 61 (2/2)

”'One hundred thousand francs'

”'What! A piece of bread one hundred thousand francs?' I cried in amazement

”'One hundred thousand francs'

”'But you asked no more for the chicken?'

”'Prices here are fixed,' replied Peppino; 'pay and you can eat'

”'But hat should I pay?' I cried in desperation; 'the money I have with me--'

”'Is your whole fortune,' interrupted Peppino 'You have five million and fifty thousand francs in your portfolio in drafts, and you can get fifty chickens and a half for it'

”I was astounded The robbers knew exactly how much money I had, and I saw I had either to pay or to starve

”'Will I be able to eat in silence?' I asked, 'if I pay?'

”'Certainly'

”'Good, then bringmaterials'

”I wrote out a draft on Rome for one hundred thousand francs, and received the chicken”

”What was their motive?” asked Carmen

”Merely to plunder and blackmail me”

”Then they demanded more?” asked Carmen

”Oh, no After I had eaten the chicken, I felt thirsty I called Peppina and told hi?' he asked

”'Yes I a with thirst'

”'I am very sorry to hear it The wine this year is very bad and very dear'

”'Then bring me water,' I cried

”'Oh, water is still dearer'

”'Then give lass of wine'

”'We only sell by the bottle'

”'Then bring me a bottle of Orreto'