“I am quite willing to pay and if you would like it in advance, I will give it to you now.”
“No, no,” the man said, “of course I trust you,” and then he hurried away.
Next the Prince suggested,
“As I could do with a drink myself, let me stand you men one too. I assure you I am grateful to be able to rest here.”
“If you’ve been ridin’ for long, it’s ain’t surprisin’ you’re tired,” one of the men remarked.
“My sister wanted to see Venice and now we have seen it and there is indeed plenty to see.”
The men thought this was a joke and they were laughing as the publican returned.
“The Missus says she’ll have two rooms ready for you in a short while. She supposes you’ll want somethin’ to eat.”
“We are very grateful that she should have thought of it. And these two gentlemen would like to
