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In other circumstances he would have laughed heartily at the

absurdity of such a proposition, but he felt that this was not a

moment for merriment. On his way to the inn, he had perceived so

many people abroad, such a stirring-some collecting in small

quantities, others gathering in crowds-that he was not able to

determine whether they were the remnants of the old insurrection

not entirely suppressed, or the beginnings of a new one. And now,

without appearing to do so, he listened, and thought the buzzing

increased. He felt haste to be of importance; but he did not dare

to take Renzo against his will, lest, finding himself in the

street, he might take advantage of public sympathy, and endeavour

to escape from his hands. He made a sign to his officers to be

patient, and not exasperate the youth; whilst he himself sought

to appease him with fair words.