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The stranger took advantage of the noise to say to the host, in a

tone of reproach for his too abrupt demand, "Leave him to his own

way a little; do not raise a disturbance."

"I have done my duty," said the host aloud, "and secured myself,"

continued he, lowering his voice; "and that is all I care for."

He removed the pen, ink, and paper, and gave the empty flagon to

the boy.

"Bring the same kind of wine," said Renzo, "for it suits my taste

exactly; and we will send it to sleep with the other, without

asking its name, surname, nor what is its business, nor whether

it is going to remain long in this city."

"Of the same kind," said the host to the boy, giving him the

flagon, and returning to his seat by the chimney. "He is no other

than a hare," thought he, raking in the ashes. "And in what hands

art thou fallen, poor silly youth! If you will drown, drown; but

the host of the _Full Moon_ will not go halves with thy folly."