The Chief of Police did not reply for a moment.
"I rather think I've got you there," said the Senator, dryly. "Hey? old Hoss?"
("Old Hoss" was an epithet which he used when he was in a good humor.) He felt that he had the best of it here, and his anger was gone. He therefore tilted his chair back farther, and placed his feet upon the back of a chair that was in front of him.
"There are Italians in Rome who speak English," was at length the rejoinder.
"I wish I could find some then," said the Senator. "It's worse than looking for a needle in a hay-stack, they're so precious few."
"And I can't say feel over-proud of the acquaintance," said the Senator, in his former dry tone, looking hard at the Interpreter.
"Oh ho! that's it--ah? And was my friend there one of your friends too?" asked the Senator, as light burst in upon him.
"He was sufficiently patriotic to give warning."
"Oh--patriotic?--he was, was he?" said the Senator, slowly, while his eyes showed a dangerous light.
"Yes--patriotic. He has watched you for some time."
"Watched me!" and the Senator frowned wrathfully.
"Watched me! dogged me! tracked me! Aha?"
"Why the mean concern sat next me, attracted my attention by reading English, and encouraged me to speak as I did. Why don't you arrest him?"
"To test me! How would he like me to test him?"
"The Government looks on your offense with lenient eyes."
"And content themselves this time with giving you warning."
"Very much obliged; but tell your Government not to be alarmed. I won't hurt them."
Upon this the two visitors took their leave.
The Senator informed his two friends about the visit, and thought very lightly about it; but the recollection of one thing rankled in his mind.
That spy! The fellow had humbugged him. He had dogged him, tracked him, perhaps for weeks, had drawn him into conversation, asked leading questions, and then given information. If there was any thing on earth that the Senator loathed it was this.
But how could such a man be punished! That was the thought. Punishment could only come from one. The law could do nothing. But there was one who could do something, and that one was himself. Lynch law!
"My fayther was from Bosting, My uncle was Judge Lynch, So, darn your fire and roasting, You can not make me flinch."