He knew that it was not necessary to say more, for Giuseppi had plenty of shrewdness, and would, he was sure, invent some plausible story without the least difficulty, possessing, as he did, plenty of the easy mendacity so general among the lower classes of the races inhabiting countries bordering on the Mediterranean.

Their fare came down to the gondola a few minutes after the clock had tolled the half hour.
"I see you are punctual," he said, "which is more than most of you men are." Francis was rowing the bow oar, and therefore stood with his back to the passenger, and was not likely to be addressed by him, as he would naturally turn to Giuseppi, who stood close behind him.

As Francis had expected, as soon as they were out on the lagoon the passenger turned to his companion and began to question him.
"I cannot see your faces," he said; "but by your figures you are both young, are you not ?" "I am but twenty-two," Giuseppi said, "and my brother is a year younger." "And what are your names ?" "Giovanni and Beppo Morani." "And is this boat your own ?" "It is, signor.

Our father died three years ago, leaving us his boat." "And where do you usually ply ?" "Anywhere, signor, just as the fancy seizes us.

Sometimes one place is good, sometimes another." "And where do you live ?" "We don't live anywhere, signor.