They were good fellows, engaged with a Dutchman, against whom I heard afterwards they made a successful mutiny, but I never saw them more.

I had two thousand crowns still left; with this sum I obtained the consent of the silk-mercer, and it was agreed that I should become a partner in the firm.

I need not say that no one suspected that I had been so great a man, and I passed for a Neapolitan goldsmith's son instead of a cardinal's.

I was very happy then, signor, very,--I could not have harmed a fly! Had I married Clara, I had been as gentle a mercer as ever handled a measure." The bravo paused a moment, and it was easy to see that he felt more than his words and tone betokened.

"Well, well, we must not look back at the past too earnestly,--the sunlight upon it makes one's eyes water.