human
Ah! my dear correspondent--my noble friend--my prince of money-lenders, how fares it with you? Still at the old trade of coining gold, eh? Well, we must all live either by fraud or force; cunning or strength are the weapons put by nature into our hands. To some she gives one; to others the latter: nature is most impartial. To the lion she gives claws and teeth; to the horse his hoofs and fleetness. To a woman, beauty and softness; to a man, strength and courage. She intends all these attributes to be employed. So, friend Bannech, you live by fraud, and I by force. Is it not so?
gpt
I cannot dispute the correctness of your assertion: for, to say the truth, you have spoken so rapidly, that my poor comprehension could not follow you, noble signor, said the Jew, bending low, and placing a chair for his visitor.
human
But may I inquire what thus unexpectedly brings you to Malta?
gpt
Pleasure, Bannech--pleasure, and, perhaps, the hopes of a little profit, said the Greek, laughing.
human
Now, though I may not just yet tell you what brings me to Malta, I will tell you a little more of my history than you are at present acquainted with. Know, then, most worthy Jew, that I am, by name, Argiri Caramitzo, a patriot Greek chief, or prince, call me, of Graditza. That I have been educated in Italy--that years have passed since I set foot in my native land--and that I am now hastening thither to join in the noble struggle to emancipate Greece from the thraldom of the infidel Turk. I have travelled from that city of learning and piety, Pisa, to Naples, thence to Syracuse; and from that ancient city, I have crossed the sea hither. All this you must remember, Bannech, should you be questioned.
gpt
I will not forget it, most noble prince, said the Jew, bending his head.
human
I like the story much. It has a probability about it which cannot fail to make it be believed--an essential point too frequently overlooked by bunglers in lying.
gpt
I am glad you like it, observed the Greek, or prince--as we may now call him. He took no notice of the last, not very flattering, observation of the Jew.
human
But now, Bannech, I wish to know what vessels are sailing hence for Greece, as I desire, you must remember, to secure a passage by one of them.
gpt
Oh, I understand, he said at length.
human
Why, there are several sailing in the course of a few days, but the one which will best suit your purpose quits the harbour to-morrow. She carries passengers--one of whom an English colonel is said to be rich, so he will doubtless have a store of gold on board. He has a daughter or niece with him, who is reported handsome. If she was, by chance, to fall into the hands of such gentry, as we wot of, she would gain them a large amount for her ransom. The vessel I speak of is the _Zodiac_, John Bowse, master.
gpt
I passed her as we entered the harbour, remarked the Greek.
human
I will go on board this very evening. But I wish to know more about her passengers. Could not they be induced to carry a large amount of gold with them? It would be very convenient. Tell me, how can I become acquainted with them?
gpt
I do not know how it can be managed. These English people, with their proud manners, do not like making the acquaintance of foreigners of whose history they are ignorant.
human
Do not tell me that it cannot be done, exclaimed the Greek impatiently.
gpt
I tell you, signor, that you must find means of doing it. Surely a Greek prince would not be refused admittance into the best society of an insignificant island dependency like this.
human
There are a great many arrant rogues bearing that title, said the Jew, his eyes twinkling as he spoke.
gpt
And among the English here the rank alone does not bear much weight. You should have letters of introduction, and how they are to be procured, I cannot say.
human
How they are to be procured! Why, forge them to be sure, my friend, exclaimed the Greek.
gpt
Nothing is so easy. Come, come, you are well accustomed to the work, I know.
human
Oh, father Abraham, suppose I was to be discovered! ejaculated the Jew.
gpt
My credit would be gone, and I should be completely ruined and undone.
human
Oh, no fear of that, while your wits are as keen as at present, said the Greek.
gpt
Come, has not the colonel some acquaintance or other in Italy, who would be likely to introduce a distinguished foreigner, his friend, visiting the island, or do you know of some other person to whom a letter of introduction might be addressed?