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The fisherman, after having for a moment surveyed the course of

the water, as if to ascertain the practicability of reaching the

shore, directed the boat towards it; before it touched the bank,

Renzo, who was standing on the water's edge, awaiting its

approach, seized the prow, and jumped into it.

"Do me a service, and I will pay you for it," said he; "I wish to

cross to the other shore."

The fisherman having divined his object, had already turned his

boat in that direction. Renzo, perceiving another oar in the

bottom of the bark, stooped to take it.

"Softly, softly," said the fisherman. But seeing with what skill

the young man managed the oar, "Ah! ah!" added he, "you know the

trade."