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"As for bread," said Renzo, in a loud voice, and laughing,

"Providence has provided that." And he drew forth the third and

last loaf, picked up under the cross of St. Dionigi, and holding

it up, cried, "Here is the bread of Providence!"

At this exclamation many of the company turned round, and seeing

this trophy in the air, one of them cried, "Bread for ever at a

low price!"

"At a low price!" said Renzo; "gratis et amore."

"Better still, better still."

"But," added he, "I do not wish these gentlemen to think evil of

me. I have not stolen it-I found it on the ground; and if I could

find the owner, I am ready to pay him."

"Bravo, bravo!" cried they, laughing louder still, not imagining

that he was in earnest.