I know no device of greater frequency, whereby I conceive there is much commerce in this light fidelity." "He who used it did well in concealing his thoughts beneath so general a dress! There will be a reward of a hundred sequins to him who traces the owner." Hosea was about to return the seal as beyond his knowledge, when this remark fell casually from the lips of the Signor Gradenigo.

In a moment his eyes were fortified with a glass of microscopic power, and the paper was again before the lamp.
"I disposed of a cornelian of no great price, which bore this conceit, to the wife of the emperor's ambassador, but conceiving there was no more in the purchase than some waywardness of fancy, I took no precaution to note the stone.

A gentleman in the family of the Legate of Ravenna, also trafficked with me for an amethyst of the same design, but with him neither did I hold it important to be particular.

Ha! here is a private mark, that in truth seemeth to be of my own hand!" "Dost thou find a clue?
What is the sign of which thou speakest ?" "Naught, noble senator, but a slur in a letter, which would not be apt to catch the eye of an over-credulous maiden." "And thou parted with the seal to---- ?" Hosea hesitated, for he foresaw some danger of losing his reward by a too hasty communication of the truth.
"If it be important that the fact be known, Signore," he said, "I will consult my books.

In a matter of this gravity, the senate should not be misled." "Thou sayest well.