ect for
those who deny their natures for the good of others which is common to
all, however tainted by cupidity themselves. "Thou and thy dog, old
Uberto, can freely pass, with our best good wishes for both."

There no longer remained any to examine, and, after a short consultation
among the more superstitious of the travellers, they came to the very
natural opinion that, intimidated by their just remonstrances, the
offensive headsman had shrunk, unperceived, from the crowd, and that they
were at length happily relieved from his presence. The annunciation of the
welcome tidings drew much self-felicitation from the different members of
the motley company, and all eagerly embarked, for Baptiste now loudly and
vehemently declared that a single moment of further delay was entirely out
of the question.

"Of what are you thinking, men!" he exclaimed with well-acted heat; "are
the Leman winds liveried lackeys, to come and go as may suit your fancies;
now to blow west, and now east, as shall be most wanted, to help you on
your journeys? Take example of the noble Melchior de Willading, who has
long been in his place, and pray the saints, if you will, in your several
fashions, that this fair western wind do not quit us in punishment of our
neglect."

"Yonder come others, in haste, to be of the party!" interrupted the
cunning Italian; "loosen thy fasts quickly, Master Baptiste, or, by San
Gennaro! we shall still be detained!"

The Patron suddenly checked himself, and hurried back to the gate, in
order to ascertain what he might expect from this unlooked-for turn of
fortune.

Two travellers, in the attire of men familiar with the road, accompanied
by a menial, and followed by a porter staggering under the burthen of
their luggage, were fast approaching the water-gate, as if conscious the
least delay might cause their being left. This party was led by one
considerably past the meridian of life, and who evidently was enabled to
maintain his post more by the deference of his companions than by his
physical force. A cloak was thrown across one arm, while in the hand of
the other he carried the rapier, which all of gentle blood then considered
a necessary appendage of their rank.

"You were near losing the last bark that sails for the Abbaye des
Vignerons, Signori," said the Genevese, recognizing the country of the
strangers at a glance, "if, as I judge from your direction and haste,
these festivities are in your minds."

"Such