When his gondola had reached the goal he checked its course, and, without discovering any of the usual signs of exhaustion, he remained standing, though the deep heaving of his broad and tawny chest proved that his powers had been taxed to their utmost.

He smiled as the shouts arose on his ear, for praise is grateful even to the meek; still he seemed oppressed with an emotion of a character deeper than pride.

Age had somewhat dimmed his eye, but it was now full of hope.

His features worked, and a single burning drop fell on each rugged cheek.

The fisherman then breathed more freely.
Like his successful antagonist, the waterman of the mask betrayed none of the debility which usually succeeds great bodily exertion.