“Ala e ala, in your Italian, Mister Vice-governatore.  When a craft like mine has a sail spread on each side, resembling a bird, we say, in English, that she marches ‘Ving-and-Ving,’”

Andrea Barrofaldi mused, in silence, near a minute.  During this interval, he was thinking of the improbability of any but a bona-fide Englishman’s dreaming of giving a vessel an appellation so thoroughly idiomatic, and was fast mystifying himself, as so often happens by tyros in any particular branch of knowledge, by his own critical acumen.  Then he half whispered a conjecture on the subject to Vito Viti, influenced quite as much by a desire to show his neighbor his own readiness in such matters, as by any other feeling.  The podesta was less struck by the distinction than his superior; but, as became one of his limited means, he did not venture an objection.

“Signor Capitano,” resumed Andrea Barrofaldi, “since when have you English adopted the rig of the lugger?  It is an unusual craft for so great a naval nation, they tell me.”

“Bah!  I see how it is, Signor Vice-governatore—­you suspect me of being a Frenchman, or a Spaniard, or something else than I claim to be.  On this head, however, you may set your heart at rest, and put full faith in what I tell you.  My name is Capitaine Jaques Smeet; my vessel is ze Ving-and-Ving; and my service that of the king of England.”

“Is your craft, then, a king’s vessel; or does she sail with the commission of a corsair?”

“Do I look like a corsair, Signor?” demanded le Capitaine Smeet, with an offended air; “I have reason to feel myself injured by so unworthy an imputation!”

“Your pardon, Signor Capitano Smees—­but our duty is a very delicate one, on this unprotected island, in times as troubled as these in which we live.  It has been stated to me, as coming from the most experienced pilot of our haven, that your lugger has not altogether the appearance of a vessel of the Inglese, while she has many that belong to the corsairs of France; and a prudent caution imposes on me the office of making certain of your nation.  Once assured of that, it will be the delight of the Elbans to prove how much we honor and esteem our illustrious allies.”

“This is so reasonable, and so much according to what I do myself, when I meet a stranger at sea,” cried the captain, stretching forth both arms in a frank and inviting manner, “that none but a knave would object to it.  Pursue your own course, Signor Vice-governatore, and satisfy all your scruples, in your own manner.  How shall this be done—­will you go on board ze Ving-and-Ving, and look for yourself—­send this honorable magistrate, or shall I show you my commission?  Here is the last, altogether at your service, and that of his Imperial Highness, the Grand Duke.”