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The boat reached the shore, at last; Renzo thanked God in his

heart, as he stepped upon it; and turning to the fisherman took

from his pocket a berlinga and gave it to him. The man took it in

silence, and with a significant look, placed his forefinger on

his lip; and saying, "A good journey to you," returned to his

employment.

In order to account for the prompt and discreet civility of this

man towards a perfect stranger, we must inform the reader, that

he was accustomed to render similar favours to smugglers and

outlaws, not so much for the sake of the little gain which

accrued to him thereby, as not to create enemies among these

classes of people. He rendered these services, therefore, when he

was sure of not being seen by the custom-house officers,

bailiffs, or spies. Thus he endeavoured to act with an

impartiality, which should give offence to neither party.