Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/266

 "Brilliant idea," exclaimed Saltator, laughing loudly; "you would have to make use of no little skill to escape from being hung after such a move; for that would be to give the whole game to the devil. Stratagem is better than force; and besides Capuzzi, I am sure, is on the defensive against an attack, and justice would prepare us a dish after her own fashion. Let us try stratagem then, and you may rely upon me; this is also dame Catherine's advice, whose good sense I highly prize. We, the other night, played Signor Capuzzi a mad-cap trick; everybody is talking about it; and I, who am your elder, and by my calling a serious man, should be very sorry to have the names of the actors in it known. I will not, nevertheless, abandon you mid-way towards success. We will carry off Marianna, I assert it, and time presses; Nicolo Musso and the comedian Formica shall assist me in this project."

"Nicolo Musso, Formica?" said Antonio, with an astonished look: and what can I expect from these mountebanks?"

"Softly, my friend, I beg of you," continued Salvator; "Nicolo is the prince of good fellows; and as for Formica, he is, with your permission, a kind of sorcerer, who knows more than one marvellous secret. Leave to me the care of making good use of them. Maria Agli and dear doctor Graziano of Bologna, have promised me their assistance. It is at Musso's theatre that I will give you an opportunity to carry off your Marianna."

"Salvator," replied Antonio, sadly, "you are giving me a deceptive hope; for if, according to appearances, Capuzzi is on his guard against any new adventure, how can you suppose that he will ever go to Musso's theatre again?"

"That is easier than you think," replied Salvator. "The most difficult part will be to get him there without companions and without escort. Hold yourself in readiness to fly from Rome with Marianna, as soon as you shall get possession of her. You will go to Florence, where your reputation precedes you; and I will take upon myself to assure you there