verlook the past."

"You are very generous, signor--you always were," exclaimed the beggar,
trying to fall down and embrace his knees, which the Greek prevented.
"I will go to any part of the world. I will go through fire and water
to serve you."

"You have not to go far to perform my directions; but I want
faithfulness in the discharge of the duty I shall impose on you," said
the Greek, sternly. "And, mark me, Giacomo--if you play me false, as
you have done others, I will find you out, and finish your worthless
life with as little compunction as I would that of a rabid dog."

"_Si, signor capitan_, I very well know that you are not a man to be
trifled with," answered the beggar, bowing his head.

"Tell me what you want, and by the Holy Virgin and all the saints in
heaven I will perform the work faithfully."

"Your oath is superfluous, as you would break it for a copper-piece, so
don't insult me with it," replied the Greek, scornfully. "But, listen:
there is a certain Jew--Aaron Bannech by name--his office--his den--the
place where he cheats, and robs, and lies, is beneath the Albergo--in
the Strada. Do you hear?"

"_Si, signor, si_,--I know the place--I know the man," said the beggar,
hastily.

"You know him; it is well that you should--you are an admirable pair.
He would sell his soul for a dollar, and would then try to cheat the
devil out of it. You are a meaner knave. Half that sum would buy you.
You both are useful to me, though. Hasten to him, and tell him that I
am here. Say that he must clear out his den of visitors, clerks, or
other prying knaves, and that I will be with him in half an hour. When
you have done this, go down to the port, and learn what vessels are
about to sail, shortly, for the eastward, with all particulars about
them--their cargoes--armed force--and number of men--also what ships are
expected to arrive shortly from the same quarter. Having gleaned this
information, which you well know how to do, come up with it to the
residence of the Jew. Listen, also, if anything is said about the
_Speronara Volante_, from Syracuse, by which I arrived. Alessandro is
her master--or, if any remarks are made respecting me. I am, probably,
unnoticed; but it is as well to be cautious."

"I will strictly obey your directions, signor," said the beggar. "Have
you further orders?"

"No--you may go. I have been talking to you too long already, and may
have been observed."

"Rest assured of