‘And for this,’ rejoined the steward, artfully chinking the coins beneath his cloak, ‘we will settle when this business is over.’
‘May it be soon; why they should pitch upon my house, and mix a harmless man up with their women and their works, I know not—but I would they were away.’
‘And so do I, Tucca, for this early morning watch does not agree with your humble servant.’
‘But what safeguard can you offer me if he, for whom these people are in charge, should know that I play the spy on them?’
‘He cannot know if you do only as I tell you; and if he does, leave the rest to me.’
‘Hermes guard me—I should be but the earthen pipkin between two brazen pots.’
The steward was looking cautiously through the leafy screen of the doorway towards the house. He started and [pg 162]said, ‘Hasten, Tucca, look upon your housetop! There are these same mysterious beings gazing therefrom upon the landmarks of the island and tasting the morning air—hasten to the house—they may want thee to ask thee this or that, it may be—there is a chance—so go!’
‘I will.’
‘And hearken, Tucca, it is best to reckon up both sides of our bargain,’ added Zeno, catching him by the arm for a moment; ‘I rely upon your faith and have no reason to doubt it, being, as you are, in your right mind; but if you play me false from fear, or hope, or promise of what you would expect to be greater in pay, as sure as you stand by me at this very moment you shall suffer!’
‘Dear Zeno and friend, I could never——’