your journeys? Take example of the noble Melchior de Willading, who has
long been in his place, and pray the saints, if you will, in your several
fashions, that this fair western wind do not quit us in punishment of our
neglect."

"Yonder come others, in haste, to be of the party!" interrupted the
cunning Italian; "loosen thy fasts quickly, Master Baptiste, or, by San
Gennaro! we shall still be detained!"

The Patron suddenly checked himself, and hurried back to the gate, in
order to ascertain what he might expect from this unlooked-for turn of
fortune.

Two travellers, in the attire of men familiar with the road, accompanied
by a menial, and followed by a porter staggering under the burthen of
their luggage, were fast approaching the water-gate, as if conscious the
least delay might cause their being left. This party was led by one
considerably past the meridian of life, and who evidently was enabled to
maintain his post more by the deference of his companions than by his
physical force. A cloak was thrown across one arm, while in the hand of
the other he carried the rapier, which all of gentle blood then considered
a necessary appendage of their rank.

"You were near losing the last bark that sails for the Abbaye des
Vignerons, Signori," said the Genevese, recognizing the country of the
strangers at a glance, "if, as I judge from your direction and haste,
these festivities are in your minds."

"Such is our aim," returned the elder of the travellers, "and, as thou
sayest, we are, of a certainty, tardy. A hasty departure and bad roads