"Perfectly," replied the Count.
"Read."
The Count read the ransom note. "Do you have the necessary amount?"
"Yes, except for nine hundred and eighty-three certar."
The Count fiddled in his portefeuille, and handed Arafrantz the Golden Fleece. "This should approximately cover the deficit."
After profusely thanking the Count, Arafrantz looked at him fixedly and asked, "Is it really necessary to pay this amount?"
"The postscript is precise," said the Count.
"It seems to me that if you wished, you could greatly simplify the negotiation," said Arafrantz.
"What influence do you expect me to have on a vanditto?"
"Did you not save Pippino's life?"
