have been the cause--but as, happily, we are yet in time to profit by this
bark, wilt do us the favor to look into our authority to pass?"

The officer perused the offered document with the customary care, turning
it from side to side, as if all were not right, though in a way to show
that he regretted the informality.

"Signore, your pass is quite in rule as touches Savoy and the country of
Nice, but it wants the city's forms."

"By San Francesco! more's the pity. We are honest gentlemen of Genoa,
hurrying to witness the revels at Vévey, of which rumor gives an enticing
report, and our sole desire is to come and go peaceably. As thou seest, we
are late; for hearing at the post, on alighting, that a bark was about to
spread its sails for the other extremity of the lake, we had no time to
consult all the observances that thy city's rules may deem necessary. So
many turn their faces the same way, to witness these ancient games, that
we had not thought out quick passage through the town of sufficient
importance to give thy authorities the trouble to look into our proofs."

"Therein, Signore, you have judged amiss. It is my sworn duty to stay all
who want the republic's permission to proceed."

"This is unfortunate, to say no more. Art thou the patron of the bark,
friend?"

"And her owner, Signore," answered Baptiste, who listened to the discourse
with longings equal to his doubts. "I should be a great deal too happy to
count such honorable travellers among my passengers."