I first looked out at this last, and found that it commanded a view
of the Palace of the Patriarch. Other prisons were near mine, in a
narrow wing to the right, and in a projection of the building right
opposite. Here were two prisons, one above the other. The lower
had an enormous window, through which I could see a man, very richly
drest, pacing to and fro. It was the Signor Caporale di Cesena. He
perceived me, made a signal, and we pronounced each other's names.

I next looked out at my other window. I put the little table upon
my bed, and a chair upon my table; I climbed up and found myself on
a level with part of the palace roof; and beyond this was to be seen
a fine view of the city and the lake.

I paused to admire it; and though I heard some one open the door, I
did not move. It was the jailer; and perceiving that I had
clambered up, he got it into his head I was making an attempt to
escape, forgetting, in his alarm, that I was not a mouse to creep
through all those narrow bars. In a moment he sprung upon the bed,
spite of a violent sciatica which had nearly bent him double, and
catching me by the legs, he began to call out, "thieves and murder!"

"But don't you see," I exclaimed, "you thoughtless man, that I
cannot conjure myself through these horrible bars? Surely you know
I got up here out of mere curiosity."

"Oh, yes, I see, I apprehend, sir; but quick, sir, jump down, sir;
these are all temptations of the devil to make you think of it! come
down, sir, pray."

I lost no time in my descent, and laughed.