I felt myself waxing wroth with a weak frame,--about as unpleasant a situation as can be fancied; for let me observe to you, Tom, that the brawny proportions of Signor Lamporeccho would not have prevented my trying conclusion with him, had I been what you last saw me; but, alas! the Italian doctor had bled me down so low that I was not even a match for one of his countrymen. I was therefore obliged to inform my friend that, being alone with him, and our interview having taken the form of a privileged communication, he was a thief and a robber! The words were not uttered, when he drew a long and glistening knife from behind his back, under his coat, and made a rush at me. I seized the butt-end of James's fishing-rod,--fortunately beside me,--and held him at bay, shouting wildly, "Murder!" all the while. The room was filled in an instant; Tiverton and the girls, followed by all the servants and several peasants, rushing in pell-mell. Before, however, I could speak, for I was almost choked with passion, Signor Giacomo had gained Lord George's ear, and evidently made him his partisan. Tiverton cleared the room as fast as he could, mumbling out something to the girls that seemed to satisfy them and allay their fears, and then, closing the door, took his seat beside me. "It will not signify," said he to me, in a kind voice; "the thing is only a scratch, and will be well in a day or two." "What do you mean?" said I. "Egad! you'll have to be cautious, though," said he, laughing. "It was in a very awkward place; and that too is n't the handiest for minute anatomy." "Do you want to drive me mad, my Lord; for, if not, Just take the trouble to explain yourself." "Pooh, pooh!" said he; "don't fuss yourself about nothing. I understand how to deal with these fellows. You 'll see, five-and-twenty Naps, will set it all right." "I see," said I, "your intention is to outrage me; and I beg that I may be left alone." "Come, don't be angry with me, Dodd," cried he, in one of his good-tempered, coaxing ways. "I know well you 'd never have done it--" "Done what,--done what?" screamed I, in an agony of rage. He made a gesture with the fishing-rod, and burst out a-laughing for reply. "Do you mean that I stuck that scoundrel that has just gone out?" cried I. "And no great harm, either!" said he. "Do you mean that I stuck him?--answer me that." "Well, I 'd be just as much pleased if you had not," said he; "for, though they are always punching holes into each other, they don't like an Englishman to do it. Still, keep quiet, and I 'll set it all straight before to-morrow. The doctor shall give a certificate, setting forth mental excitement, and so forth. We 'll show that you are not quite responsible for your actions just now." "Egad, you 'll have a proof of your theory, if you go on much longer at this rate," said I, grinding my teeth with passion.