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. Serafina." After enlarging brilliantly upon this
theme, he added, that as they were "more desirous of glory than profit,"
they would be willing to accept provisions of all kinds, instead of coin
of the realm, in payment of places, from those who had not the money
to spare, and asked them to let all their friends know. This closing
announcement made a great sensation among his attentive listeners, and
he marched back to the farm, confident that they would have a goodly
number of spectators. There he found the stage already erected in the
barn, and a rehearsal in progress, which was necessary on de Sigognac's
account.

Bellombre was instructing him in various minor details as the play went
on, and for a novice he did wonderfully well--acting with much spirit
and grace, showing decided talent, and remarkable aptitude. But it was
very evident that he was greatly annoyed by some portions of the piece,
and an angry flush mounted to the roots of his hair at the whacks and
cuffs so liberally bestowed upon the doughty captain.

His comrades spared him as much as possible--feeling that it must be
intensely repugnant to him--but he grew furious in spite of all his
efforts to control his temper, and at each fresh attack upon him his
flashing eyes and knitted brows betrayed the fierce rage he was in;
then, suddenly remembering tha