But Francis did not care for strolling in the Piazza, or sitting for hours sipping liquors.

Still less did he care for dress or finery.

Consequently he had always plenty of money to indulge in his own special fancies.
As soon as the bargain was completed, Giuseppi took his place in the old gondola, while Francis took the oar in his new acquisition, and found to his satisfaction that with scarcely an effort he could dart ahead of his companion and leave him far behind.

By nightfall the two gondolas were fastened, side by side, behind the gaily painted posts which, in almost all Venetian houses, are driven into the canal close to the steps, and behind which the gondolas belonging to the house lie safe from injury by passing craft.
"I have bought another gondola, father," Francis said the next morning.
"She is a very light, fast craft, and I got her cheap." "I don't see what you wanted another gondola for, Francis.

I do not use mine very much, and you are always welcome to take it when I do not want it." "Yes, father, but you often use it in the evening, and that is just the time when one wants to go out.