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"Ah! there is great news truly," said the merchant, dismounting,

and leaving his horse in the care of a boy. "But," continued he,

entering the house with the company, "perhaps you know by this

time better than I do."

"Truly, we know nothing."

"Is it possible?-Well, you will hear fine news, or rather bad

news. Eh! host! is my bed unoccupied? It is well. A glass of

wine, and my usual dish. Quick, quick! because I must go to bed

early, in order to rise early, as I must be at Bergamo to dinner.

And you," pursued he, seating himself at the table opposite to

Renzo, who continued silent and attentive, "you know nothing of

the mischief of yesterday!"

"We heard about yesterday."

"I knew that you must have heard it, being here always on guard

to watch travellers."

"But to-day? What has been done to-day?"

"Ah! to-day! Then you know nothing of to-day?"

"Nothing at all. No one has passed."