‘Before Jupiter, I know not.’
‘I have also orders to dispense certain coins to those who make themselves particularly useful in this matter—it is surely best to please the strongest party and be paid for it—at least my notions run that way.’
Zeno made a dull jingling of some money under his cloak, and marked, with a smile, the flash of the old man’s eyes and the pricking up of his ears.
‘Noble Zeno, you were ever liberal with me, but if I could serve you without——’
‘It will be easily earned, Tucca; good pay, and never fear for your old bones.’
‘What, then, do you require?’
‘To use your memory and duly relate to me anything that your visitors may say loud enough for your ears to catch. If it be anything about the weather, or matters of equal importance, you need not trouble to store it up; but if there may be a chance remark or inquiry concerning any person or persons of any note in the island, you must truly bring the same to me, as I should like to hear it. You must, likewise, take notice of their movements, and everything which may be likely to throw a light upon the reason of their presence here. You see, therefore, Tucca, that your task is of the easiest and lightest, and beyond suspicion—merely to keep your eyes and ears open.’
‘And will you be at hand, or must I go to seek you at the palaces?’
‘Inquire for Alexander at the little tavern of the Widow [pg 161]Paula, and you will be told where to find me—you will remember to inquire for Alexander, old man?’
‘For Alexander, noble Zeno.’