It was dark outside and still raining.
Piani sat at the table very sleepy.
"I like a retreat better than an advance," Bonello said. "On a retreat we drink barbera."
"We drink it now.
To-morrow maybe we drink rainwater," Aymo said.
"To-morrow we'll be in Udine.
We'll drink champagne.
That's where the slackers live.
Wake up, Piani!
We'll drink champagne tomorrow in Udine!"
"I'm awake," Piani said.
He filled his plate with the spaghetti and meat. "Couldn't you find tomato sauce, Barto?"
"There wasn't any," Aymo said.
"We'll drink champagne in Udine," Bonello said.
He filled his glass with the clear red barbera.
"We may drink--before Udine," Piani said.
"Have you eaten enough, Tenente?" Aymo asked.
"I've got plenty.
Give me the bottle, Bartolomeo."
"I have a bottle apiece to take in the cars," Aymo said.
"Did you sleep at all?"
"I don't need much sleep.
I slept a little."
"To-morrow we'll sleep in the king's bed," Bonello said.
He was feeling very good.
"To-morrow maybe we'll sleep in--," Piani said.
"I'll sleep with the queen," Bonello said.
He looked to see how I took the joke.
"You'll sleep with--," Piani said sleepily.
"That's treason, Tenente," Bonello said. "Isn't that treason?"
"Shut up," I said. "You get too funny with a little wine."
Outside it was raining hard.
I looked at my watch.
It was half-past nine.
"It's time to roll," I said and stood up.
"Who are you going to ride with, Tenehte?" Bonello asked.
"With Aymo.
Then you come.
Then Piani.
We'll start out on the road for Cormons."
"I'm afraid I'll go to sleep," Piani said.
"All right.
I'll ride with you.
Then Bonello.
Then Aymo."
"That's the best way," Piani said. "Because I'm so sleepy."
"I'll drive and you sleep awhile."
"No.
I can drive just so long as I know somebody will wake me up if I go to sleep."
"I'll wake you up.