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"What does this mean?" swallowing a piece of the stew which had

been placed before him, and smiling with an air of surprise; "is

that the white sheet?"

The host, without replying, placed the paper on the table, and

himself in an attitude to write, and with the pen in his hand,

leaning towards Renzo, he said, "Do me the favour to tell me your

name and country."

"What!" said Renzo, "what has this to do with the bed?"

"I do my duty," said the host, looking at the guide. "We are

obliged to give an exact account of all who lodge at our house.

_Name and surname, and from what country they are; why they are

here; if they have arms; and how long they expect to remain in

the city._ These are the very words of the proclamation."