1118페이지 중 460페이지

Let nothing appear but that you are three peaceable men, walking

together. You understand me!" and smoothing his brow, and

twisting his face into a gracious smile, he said to Renzo, "A

little prudence,-do as I tell you; do not look about; trust to

one who has your interest at heart! And now let us begone." And

the convoy moved forward.

But of all these fine speeches Renzo believed not a word. He

understood very well the fears that prevailed over the mind of

the notary, and his exhortations only served to confirm him in

his purpose to escape; and to this end to act directly contrary

to the advice given him. No one must conclude from this that the

notary was an inexperienced knave. On the contrary, he was master

of his trade, but at the present moment his spirits were

agitated. At another time he would have ridiculed any one for

pursuing the measures he had now himself employed, but his

agitation had deprived him of his accustomed cunning and

self-possession. We would recommend, therefore, to all knaves by

trade, to maintain on all occasions their sang froid, or, what is

better, never to place themselves in difficult circumstances.