welling on
the shores of the Mediterranean, as also, of more distant nations. Some
were smoking, and others drinking; but the greater number were idling
about, laughing and talking, as if they had come there to kill time; and
when, by chance, any pause occurred, the noise of the billiard balls was
heard, and the cry of the marker from the next room. The Greek seemed
to excite less observation even here than in the street, except from two
or three of his countrymen, who were in the room, and who eyed him
narrowly. He rose and sauntered into the billiard-room, perhaps to
avoid their scrutiny, perhaps simply to amuse himself by looking on at
the game. He soon, however, returned, and ordering some coffee, he took
up a Maltese newspaper, which appeared to afford him considerable
interest.

"Ah! here we have a complete list of all the vessels about to sail from
this port," he muttered to himself. "It will serve to compare with old
Bannech's and Giacomo's account," and taking out a pocket-book he
quickly copied the list. "And let me see," he continued. "What have we
here? A ball to-night at the Auberge de Provence. By Saint Genario; it
will be a good amusement to go there. I shall pick up not a little
useful information of what is going forward in the great world, what way
the wheel is next to turn, and how those English are going to act with
regard to Greece,--whether we are to have a loan or an army to assist
us. Heaven defend us from the latter, and afford us good pickings from
the first. But, with regard to this ball. A stranger, I suppose, would
not be admitted without an introduction. They are, I know, of old, very
suspicious in this place. Well, I must make old Bannech settle that
matter also for me. He must forge some good introductions, if he cannot
procure them for me in any other way. He is well able to do so, for he
keeps his hand in at the work, and knows everybody here and elsewhere."

While he sat meditating and sipping his coffee, the three Greeks, at
another table, continued eyeing him narrowly, and, at the same time,
whispering among themselves. If he was conscious that their glances
were fixed on him, he stood the scrutiny admirably, without the
slightest change of colour, nor did his eye quail in the least. Looking
suddenly up, however, he appeared first to discover that their eyes were
turned towards him. Immediately rising, with a bland smile, he walked
up to them.

"You seem to kno