Pagina 494 di 1118

The discourse of the merchant had plunged our poor Renzo into

inexpressible agitation and alarm; there was no doubt that his

adventure was noised abroad-that people were in search of him?

Who could tell how many bailiffs were in pursuit of him? Who

could tell what orders had been given to watch at the villages,

inns, and along the roads? True it was, that two only of the

officers were acquainted with his person, and he didn't bear his

name stamped on his forehead. Yet he had heard strange stories of

fugitives being discovered by their suspicious air, or some

unexpected mark; in short, he was alarmed at every shadow.