"I do not wish to insult you, sir, but I am sorry to tell you that, as regards my food, I am quite of M. le Curé's opinion--you understand me?"
The tall, thin man appeared for a moment as if trying to guess a riddle, and ended by scratching his ear--a gesture which, among all nations, civilized or barbarous, signifies, "I do not understand."
"I will explain, then," Castelli continued. "You know that M. le Curé does not like bones; at least, so they say at forfeits, and I assure you I share the Curé's antipathy in this respect. You can retire, then; I will not detain you." And Castelli began bowing to his visitor, who hastened back to his seat.
"Now, then, for us two," the conjurer said, turning to the one who remained. He was a tall, chubby fellow, with rosy cheeks, who seemed purposely made for the repast of an epicurean cannibal.
"Well, my stout friend, so you consent to be eaten alive?"
"Yes, sir, I am quite willing, and came here for that purpose."
"Ah! ah! that is capital!" (Here Castelli licked his lips like a gourmet, whose mouth waters at the sight of a dainty dish.) "As I have a powerful appetite, we will begin directly."
At this moment a gigantic cruet-stand was brought in. The stout youth regarded it with surprise, as if trying to discover the use of this strange utensil.
"Don't mind it, pray!" said Castelli. "I am very fond of hot dishes, so allow me to pepper and salt you in my usual fashion."
And he began covering the unhappy man with a white powder, which, adhering to his hair, face, and clothes, soon gave him an extraordinary appearance. The stout youth, who at the beginning had tried to rival the conjurer's gaiety, did not laugh now, and seemed earnestly to desire the end of the jest.
"Now, then!" Castelli added, rolling his eyes about ferociously, "kneel down, and hold your hands over your head. Very good, my friend: it really looks as if you had never followed any other trade than being eaten alive. Now, then, say your prayers, and I will begin. Are you ready?"
"Yes, sir," the stout lad muttered, turning quite yellow with emotion, "I am ready."
Castelli then took the end of the patient's thumb in his mouth, and bit it so hard that the latter, as if working by a spring, jumped up, shouting energetically,