"With all my heart," said Stefano. "But come, comrades, it is no use
waiting here. Let us to our gondolas, and row for St. Marks. You'll
come with us, Antonio."

"Not I--my occupation's gone."

"How so?"

"I have sold my gondola."

"Sold your gondola."

"Ay--that was my word."

"But why?"

"I wanted money."

"Your gondola was the means of earning it."

"Very true--but I had occasion for a certain sum at once."

"And why not have recourse to our purses, Antonio? Light as they are,
we would have made it up by contributions among us."

"I doubted not your kindness--but my self-respect would not permit me
to ask your aid. Good by, comrades; we shall meet again to-morrow."

"To-morrow. _Addio_!"