human
Ah! Signor Sandro, welcome back to Malta, he exclaimed, addressing the master of the little vessel.
gpt
I have not seen you here for a long time.
human
Not the less welcome I hope, Manuel,
gpt
Few are who remember their friends and pay well, said the boatman.
human
How can I best serve you, signore?
gpt
By landing my passengers, and giving them all the information they may require, said the master.
human
Hark you, Manuel--put your head nearer--my boy's life is answerable for their safety--so, as you love me, take care that they get into no trouble. They seek a passage to some part of their own country on board a merchantman, and have come here to look for one to suit them.
gpt
I understand clearly, signor, said the boatman, significantly.
human
But who are they? What is their calling, or occupation?
gpt
Oh! mother of Heaven, don't ask me! answered the padrone, with a terrified look.
human
They may overhear you. It is not my business to put questions to them. It is enough that they pay well, and do not wish to be known. Besides, they would not scruple to cut my throat if they were offended--and most assuredly their friends would string up my poor boy, if anything went wrong with them. Even now, look at the captain--I mean the best dressed of the two. How he is playing with the hilt of his dagger there. He is meditating sticking it into my ribs because I am talking so long to you. I tell you, you must watch over their safety; and, in the name of the saints, aid them to get away as fast as possible--for, till they are out of the place, I shall not feel my head secure on my shoulders.
gpt
Oh! I understand. They are political offenders disguised as Greeks, who do not wish their movements to be known; said the sharp-witted boatman, jumping at a conclusion.
human
I'll undertake to serve you and them--not forgetting myself--and, I trust, that they will make it worth my while.
gpt
No fear of that,
human
What were you saying to the boatman?
gpt
I was making arrangements with him to take you on shore, signor, and do your bidding,
human
Well, he may land me at once, said the Greek.
gpt
Paolo, do you remain on board till I send for you, and let not a man quit the vessel on any excuse, he whispered.
human
Such provisions as they require, the boatman can bring off for them, and I will manage to make him faithful.
gpt
Hist, Manuel, he said, in the _lingua Franca_, well understood by the Maltese boatmen;
human
In the second, remember the English do not detain a man on bare suspicions, and but shabbily reward an informer. On the other hand, twenty colonati are yours, if you do my bidding. I do not want an answer--you are not a fool. Now row on shore as fast as you can.