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He raised his head at the sound of the latch, and turned towards

the new comers. When he saw the guide, "Curse the fellow," said

he to himself, "he must always be under my feet, when I wish him

at the devil!" Casting a rapid glance towards Renzo, he

continued, "I know you not; but if you come with such a hunter,

you are either a dog or a hare. When you shall have spoken a few

words, I shall know which of the two you are."

[26] Different coins.

Nothing of this mute soliloquy could be traced, however, in the

countenance of the host, who was motionless as a statue: his eyes

were small and without expression, his face fat and shining, and

his short and thick beard of a reddish hue.

"What are your orders, gentlemen?" said he.