inclined to be alone, he moved on, leaving the

fisherman to himself.

The night was now getting to be advanced, and few of the revellers remained in the areas of the two squares. Jacopo cast a glance around, and noting the hour and the situation of the place, he proceeded to the edge of the quay. The public gondoliers had left their boats moored, as usual, at this spot, and a profound stillness reigned over the whole bay. The water was scarce darkened by the air, which rather breathed upon than ruffled its surface, and no sound of oar was audible amid the forest of picturesque and classical spars, which crowded the view between the Piazetta and the Giudecca. The Bravo hesitated, cast another wary glance around him, settled his mask, undid the slight fastenings of a boat, and presently he was gliding away into the centre of the basin.

"Who cometh ?" demanded one, who seem

There is enough left for

ve not occasion.

comfort, at need.

Wilt drink?"

. I am sworn to sobriety. Is thy vessel ready, Font, for the errand ?"

Is the senate as ready with its money? is is the fourth of my voyages in their sere; and they have only to look into their own erets to know the manner in which the work tth been done."

66

They are content, and thou hast been well warded."

66

Say it not I have gained more gold by ne lucky shipment of fruits, from the isles, han by all their night-work. Would those who employ me give a little especial traffic on the entrance of the feluca, there might be advantage in the trade."

"There is nothing which St. Mark visits with a heavier punishment than frauds on his 2 receipts. Have a care with thy wines, or thou wilt lose not only thy bark and thy voyage, but thy liberty!"

ingly stood at watch, in a feluca, anchored a

little apart from all others.

"One expected," was the answer.

"Thou art late," said the mariner of Calabria, as Jacopo stepped upon the low deck of the Bella Sorrentina. "My people have long been below, and I have dreamt thrice of shipwreck, and twice of a heavy scirocco, since thou hast been expected."

; "Thou hast had more time to wrong the customs. Is the feluca ready for her work ?"

"As for the customs, there is little chance of gain in this greedy city. The senators secure all profits to themselves and their friends, while we of the barks are tied down to low freights and hard bargains. I have sent a dozen casks of lachrymæ christi up the canals since the masquers came abroad, and beyond that

I have not occasion.

thy comfort, at need.

There is enough left for

Wilt drink ?"

"I am sworn to sobriety. Is thy vessel ready, as wont, for the errand ?”

"Is the senate as ready with its money? This is the fourth of my voyages in their service; and they have only to look into their own secrets to know the manner in which the work hath been done."

66

They are content, and thou hast been well rewarded."

66

Say it not I have gained more gold by one lucky shipment of fruits, from the isles, than by all their night-work. Would those who employ me give a little especial traffic on the entrance of the feluca, there might be advantage in the trade."

"There is nothing which St. Mark visits with a heavier punishment than frauds on his receipts. Have a care with thy wines, or thou wilt lose not only thy bark and thy voyage, but thy liberty!"