but I think I know Folengo pretty well, and I am going to try an experiment this evening which I should like to have you witness. I answered him immediately to the effect that his overtures were gladly welcomed, and that on my part I should be pleased to give him an important appointment in my service and hand him the papers to-night. I ended by telling him that to-morrow, seeking out a quiet spot, I should enjoy my Pantinelli to the last drop."
The Prince put the bottle away in a sideboard and produced from a desk a folded paper as Count Luigi di Folengo was announced. He was a swarthy person, with a sabre cut across one cheek and a droop to the eyelid which, to Doctor Hardy, was singularly unprepossessing. The physician highly approved his friend's course in leaving the Pantinelli untasted.
The conversation was general for a few moments after the guests had been introduced, and then the Prince, taking out the queer-shaped flask, silently placed it upon the table as he handed Folengo his appointment. Doctor Hardy watched the man as he stared at the bottle, half-guessing what was to come. Folengo mumbled words of thanks for the paper, but his eyes never left the wine.
"I see you looking longingly at your present of the afternoon," said the Prince pleasantly, "and instead of selfishly drinking it all by myself to-morrow, I will be generous. Of course, this wine has not the novelty of charm to you that it has to others unrelated to its famous grower, but yet no one could get enough of such a drink, and, in honor of our new-formed friendship, you must drink my health in one small glass of the famed wine of Pantinelli."
He poured out a brimming glass and set it down in front of Luigi di Folengo, who sat shaking like a leaf, his drooping eyelid fluttering with strong excitement.
"I am to play to-night, with my friend the Doctor here, a game for very high stakes, so I must keep my head clear, but to-morrow you may think of me as steeped in Pantinelli's generous vine-juice."
As the Prince spoke the last sentence he took from the table drawer a handsome gold-mounted revolver, which he held up to the light so that glittering rays darted from its polished barrel as he said to the trembling Luigi, "I wish also to present you this pistol, with which I have never missed a shot, and which has sent more than one of my enemies down the long road."
