The chatelain waited; a moment for the little stir occasioned by the
entrance of the prisoner to subside, when he pursued the inquiry.
"Thou art a Genoese of the name of Thomaso Santi?" he asked, consulting
his notes.
"By this name, Signore, am I generally known."
"Thou art a mariner, and it is said one of courage and skill. Why hast
thou given thyself the ungracious appellation of Il Maledetto?"
"Men call me thus. It is a misfortune, but not a crime, to be accursed."
"He that is so ready to abuse his own fortunes should not be surprised if
others are led to think he merits his fate. We have some accounts of thee
in Valais; 'tis said thou art a free-trader?"
"The fact can little concern Valais or her government, since all come and
go unquestioned in this free land."
"It is true, we do not imitate our neighbors in all their policy; neither
do we like to see so often those who set at naught the laws of friendly
states. Why art thou journeying on this road?"
"Signore, if I am what you say, the reason of my being here is
sufficiently plain. It is probably because the Lombard and Piedmontese
are more exacting of the stranger than you of the mountains.
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