The incautious act had been marked by
one of the pets of the police. He had hardly returned the box to his
pocket ere he was hustled by some quoit-players, and knocked down. It
is needless to add, that, when he got up, the precious snuff-box was
gone.
He mentioned the affair to a judge of his acquaintance, who at once
told him to set his mind at rest, adding,
"Pass through the Forum again to-morrow. Ask for _Antonio_;
anybody will point him out to you; tell him you come from
me, and mention what you have lost. He will put you in the
way of getting it back."
Berti did as he was desired; Antonio was soon found. He smiled
meaningly when the judge's name was mentioned, protested that he could
refuse him nothing, and immediately called out, "Eh! Giacomo!"
Another bandit came out of the ruins, and ran up to his chief.
"Who was on duty yesterday?" asked Antonio.
"Pepe."
"Is he here?"
"No, he made a good day of it yesterday. He's drinking it out."
"I can do nothing for your Excellency to-day," said Antonio. "Come
here to-morrow at the same hour, and I think you'll have reason to be
satisfied."
Berti was punctual to the appointment. Signor Antonio, for fear of
being swindled, asked for an accurate description of the missing
article. This having been given, he at once produced the snuff-box.
"Your Excellency will please to pay me two scudi," he said; "I should
have charged you four, but that you are recommended to me by a
magistrate whom I particularly esteem.
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