Indeed, something had
been left there, for a small clasp-knife was picked up in it, which had
fallen out of Chiquita's pocket, and excited a great deal of curiosity
and conjecture. It was of Spanish make, and bore upon its sharp, pointed
blade, a sinister inscription in that language, to this effect--
"When this viper bites you, make sure
That you must die--for there is no cure."
No one could imagine how it had come there, and the tyrant was
especially anxious to clear up the mystery that puzzled them all.
Isabelle, who was a little inclined to be superstitious, and attach
importance to omens, signs of evil, and such-like, felt troubled about
it. She spoke Spanish perfectly, and understood the full force and
significance of the strange inscription upon the wicked-looking blade of
the tiny weapon.
Meantime, Scapin, dressed in his freshest and most gaudy costume, had
marched into the neighbouring town, carrying his drum; he stationed
himself in the large, public square, and made such good play with his
drum-sticks that he soon had a curious crowd around him, to whom he
made an eloquent address, setting forth in glowing terms the great
attractions offered by "the illustrious comedians of Herode's celebrated
troupe," who, "for this night only," would delight the public by the
representation of that screaming farce, the Rodomontades of Captain
Fracasse; to be followed by a "bewitching Moorish dance," performed by
the "incomparable Mlle.
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