The Beds (If They Deserved
That Name) Were So Shockingly Nasty, That We Could Not Have Used
Them, Had Not A Friend Of Mr. R - Supplied Us With Mattrasses,
Sheets, And Coverlets; For Our Own Sheets Were On Board The
Felucca, Which Was Anchored At A Distance From The Shore.
Our
fare was equally wretched:
The master of the house was a surly
assassin, and his cameriere or waiter, stark-staring mad. Our
situation was at the same time shocking and ridiculous. Mr. R -
quarrelled over night with the master, who swore in broken French
to my man, that he had a good mind to poniard that impertinent
Piedmontese. In the morning, before day, Mr. R - , coming into my
chamber, gave me to understand that he had been insulted by the
landlord, who demanded six and thirty livres for our supper and
lodging. Incensed at the rascal's presumption, I assured him I
would make him take half the money, and a good beating into the
bargain. He replied, that he would have saved me the trouble of
beating him, had not the cameriere, who was a very sensible
fellow, assured him the padrone was out of his senses, and if
roughly handled, might commit some extravagance. Though I was
exceedingly ruffled, I could not help laughing at the mad
cameriere's palming himself upon R - y, as a sensible fellow, and
transferring the charge of madness upon his master, who seemed to
be much more knave than fool. While Mr. R - went to mass, I
desired the cameriere to bid his master bring the bill, and to
tell him that if it was not reasonable, I would carry him before
the commandant.
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