This being done, on arriving at the Molo he asks if his man is there, and the name--let us say Alessandro Grossi, No.

91 (for he is a capital old fellow, powerful and cheerful, with a useful supply of French)--is passed up and down like a bucket at a fire.
If Alessandro chances to be there and available, all is well; but if not, to acquire a substitute even among so many obviously disengaged mariners, is no joke.
Old Grossi is getting on in years, although still powerful.

A younger Herculean fellow whom I can recommend is Ferdinando, No.88.

Ferdinando is immense and untiring, with a stentorian voice in which to announce his approach around the corners of canals; and his acquaintanceship with every soul in Venice makes a voyage with him an amusing experience.

And he often sings and is always good-humoured.
All gondoliers are not so.