The policeman replied that he would have no argument. We must obey. "Certainly," replied Vitalis, "and I promise that I will do as you order as soon as you let me know by what authority you issue it." That day the officer turned on his heels, and my master, with hat in hand, body bent low, smilingly bowed to the retreating form. But the next day the representative of the law returned, and jumping over the ropes which inclosed our theater, he sprang into the middle of the performance. "Muzzle those dogs," he said roughly to Vitalis. "Muzzle my dogs!" "It's an order of the law, you ought to know that!" The spectators began to protest. "Don't interrupt!" "Let him finish the show, cop!" Vitalis then took off his felt hat, and with his plumes sweeping the ground, he made three stately bows to the officer. "The illustrious gentleman representing the law, does he tell me that I must muzzle my actors?" he asked. "Yes, and be quick about it!" "Muzzle Capi, Zerbino, and Dulcie," cried Vitalis, addressing himself more to the audience than to the officer; "how can the great physician, Capi, known throughout the universe, prescribe a cure for Mr. Pretty-Heart, if the said physician wears a muzzle on the end of his nose?" The children and parents began to laugh. Vitalis encouraged by the applause, continued: "And how can the charming nurse, Dulcie, use her eloquence to persuade the patient to take the horrible medicine which is to relieve him of his pains if I am forced to carry out this cruel order of the law? I ask the audience if this is fair?" The clapping of hands and shouts of laughter from the onlookers was answer enough. They cheered Vitalis and hooted the policeman and, above all, they were amused at the grimaces Pretty-Heart was making. He had taken his place behind the "illustrious gentleman who represented the law," and was making ridiculous grimaces behind his back. The officer crossed his arms, then uncrossed them and stuck his fists on his hips and threw back his head, so did the monkey. The onlookers screamed with laughter. The officer turned round suddenly to see what amused them, and saw the monkey striking his own attitude to perfection. For some moments the monkey and the man stared at each other. It was a question which would lower his eyes first. The crowd yelled with delight. "If your dogs are not muzzled to-morrow," cried the policeman, angrily shaking his first, "you'll be arrested. That's all." "Good-day, until to-morrow, Signor," said Vitalis, bowing, "until to-morrow...." As the officer strode away, Vitalis stood with his body almost bent to the ground in mock respect. I thought that he would buy some muzzles for the dogs, but he did nothing of the kind, and the evening passed without him even mentioning his quarrel with the policeman. I decided at last to broach the subject myself.