get out of it on the coast of Dalmatia, or among the Greek islands."

"In such cases thou hast earned thy money easily."

"Diamine! Master Roderigo, if I had a friend in Venice to give timely
advice, the felucca might be ballasted with articles that would bring a
profit on the other shore. Of what concern is it to the Senate, when I
do my duty to the nobles faithfully, that I do my duty at the same time
to the good woman and her little brown children left at home in
Calabria?"

"There is much reason in what thou sayest, Stefano; but thou knowest the
Republic is a hard master. An affair of this nature must be touched with
a gentle hand."

"None know it better than I, for when they sent the trader with all his
movables out of the city, I was obliged to throw certain casks into the
sea, to make room for his worthless stuffs. The Senate owes me just
compensation for that loss, worthy Signor Roderigo!"

"Which thou would'st be glad to repair to-night?"

"Santissima Maria! You may be the Doge himself, Signore, for anything I
know of your countenance; but I could swear at the altar you ought to be
of the Senate for your sagacity! If this lady will not be burdened with
many effects, and there is yet time, I might humor the tastes of the
Dalmatians with certain of the articles that come from the countries
beyond the pillars of Hercules!"

"Thou art the judge of the probability thyself, since they told thee of
the nature of thy errand."

"San Gennaro of Napoli open my eyes!--They said not a word beyond this
little fact, that a youthful lady, in whom the Senate had great
interest, would quit the city this night for the eastern coast. If it is
at all agreeable to your conscience, Master Roderigo, I should be happy
to hear who are to be her companions?"

"Of that thou shalt hear more in proper season. In the meantime, I would
recommend to thee a cautious tongue, for St. Mark makes no idle jokes
with those who offend him. I am glad to see thee in this state of
preparation, worthy padrone, and wishing thee a happy night, and a
prosperous voyage, I commit thee to thy patron. But hold--ere I quit
thee, I would know the hour that the land-breeze will serve?"

"You are exact as a compass in your own matters, Signore, but of little
charity to thy friends! With the burning sun of to-day we should have
the air of the Alps about the turn of the night."

"'Tis well. My eye shall be on thee. Once more, addio!"

"Cospetto! and thou