es me to
offer you his best apologies for the painful mistake which has occurred,
and to restore to you your property, confiscated through an error which
his worship deplores and trusts that you will condone.'

In spite of his wretched plight there was much dignity in Stradella's
bearing as he answered this speech.

'Present my compliments to Monsignor Pelagatti, sir,' he said, 'and pray
assure him that I accept the excuses which you make with so much
politeness.'

'I thank you, illustrious Maestro,' said the secretary, bowing again.
'Allow me to add only that the mistake has been rectified by this
gentleman of Venice, the illustrious and noble Signor Trombin del
Todescan.'

Trombin and Stradella once more bowed to each other with great ceremony.

'It has been my privilege to render the slightest of services to the
greatest of musicians,' Trombin said. 'If you will allow me, Maestro, I
shall have the further honour of conducting you to the inn, where your
property and money can be restored to you with more privacy than in this
place.'

'Three hundred and ninety-one gold ducats, Signor Maestro,' said the
secretary. 'I have them here, and the porters are already gone on with
your luggage.'

The halberdiers stood up, and the sentinel on duty saluted as the
little party passed through the gate. The porters were halfway across
the square, Stradella walked between Trombin and the secretary, who had
placed himself deferentially on the left, and Cucurullo brought up the
rear, sorrowfully surveying the stains and mud on the back of his
master's clothes, only too clearly visible in the bright afternoon
light. No more words were exchanged till they all reached the door of
the inn, where the host was awaiting them, for he had seen from a side
window the porters bringing back Stradella's luggage, which he instantly
recognised, and the rest was plain enough. The Count Tromblon de la
Trombine was evidently a great personage, and it had been enough that he
should demand the instant release of the musician to produce the present
result. The innkeeper was proportionately impressed.

He accordingly bowed to the ground, presented his condolences to
Stradella on the unhappy accident, and led the way to a spacious and
well-furnished room on the first floor, to which he had already sent the
luggage.

It was not till he was gone and Cucurullo was unpacking his master's
things that Trombin, who desired an opportunity of exchanging a