Thereupon a window on the first floor opened, and Benvenuto appeared in his shirt, arquebus in hand.
"Who's there?" he demanded.
"I," the messenger replied.
"Who art thou?" rejoined the goldsmith, although he recognized his man at once.
"Pompeo."
"Thou liest," said Benvenuto; "I know Pompeo well, and he is far too great a coward to venture out into the streets of Rome at this hour."
"But, my dear Cellini, I swear—"
"Hold thy peace! thou art a villain, and hast taken the poor devil's name to induce me to open my door, and then to rob me."
"Master Benvenuto, may I die—"
"Say but another word," cried Benvenuto, pointing the arquebus toward his interlocutor, "and that wish of thine will be gratified."