The Wing-and-Wing - Le Feu-Follet by James Fenimore Cooper
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page 15 of 572 (02%)
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to know something of everything.
"Well, Tonti," answered Signor Viti, in a protecting manner, and with an affable smile, "as this is not an affair that is likely to go to the higher courts at Florence, your explanations may be taken as sufficient, and I have no wish to disturb them--a lugger is a lugger." "Si, Signore; that is just what we say in the port. A lugger is a lugger." "And yonder strange craft, you maintain, and at need are ready to swear, is a lugger?" Now 'Maso seeing no necessity for any oath in the affair, and being always somewhat conscientious in such matters, whenever the custom-house officers did not hold the book, was a little startled at this suggestion, and he took another and a long look at the stranger before he answered. "Si, Signore," he replied, after satisfying his mind once more, through his eyes, "I _will_ swear that the stranger yonder is a lugger." "And canst thou add, honest Tonti, of what nation? The _nation_ is of as much moment in these troubled times, as the _rig_." "You say truly, Signor Podestà ; for if an Algerine, or a Moor, or even a Frenchman, he will be an unwelcome visitor in the Canal of Elba. There are many different signs about him, that sometimes make me think he belongs to one people, and then to another; and I crave your pardon if I ask a little leisure to let him draw nearer, before I give a |
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