Can you not say this much of your own knowledge ?" "Non, Signore." The court was now cleared; when it re-opened Vito Viti was sent for and properly sworn, his attention being particularly directed to the cross on the back of the book.
"Did you ever see the prisoner before this occasion, Signor Viti ?" demanded the Judge Advocate, after the preliminary questions had been put.
"Signore, oftener than it is agreeable to remember.

I do not think that two grave magistrates were ever more mystified than were the vice-governatore and myself! Eh-h-h--Signori, the wisest sometimes become like sucking children, when there passes a mist before the understanding." "Relate the circumstances under which this occurred, to the court, Signor Podesta." "Why, Signori, the facts were just these.

Andrea Barrofaldi, as you know, is the vice-governatore of Porto Ferrajo, and I am its unworthy podesta.

Of course it is our duty to look into all matters affecting the public weal, and more especially into the business and occupations of strangers who come into our island.

Well, it is now three weeks or more since the lugger or felucca was seen--" "Which was it, a felucca or a lugger ?" demanded the Judge Advocate, holding his pen ready to write the answer.
"Both, Signore; a felucca and a lugger." "Ah--there were two; a felucca and a lugger." "No, Signore; but this felucca was a lugger.