In a word, my nerves were quite shattered, and I registered a vow never to upset a Government again as long I lived.

In future, the established constitution would have to be good enough for me.

I invoked impartial curses on the President, the colonel, the directors, and myself! and I verily believe that only the thought of the signorina prevented me making a moonlight flitting across the frontier with a whole skin at least, if with an empty pocket, and leaving the rival patriots of Aureataland to fight it out among themselves.
Happily, however, nothing occurred to justify my fears.

The other side seemed to be sunk in dull security.

The President went often to the Ministry of Finance, and was closeted for hours with Don Antonio; I suppose they were perfecting their nefarious scheme.