Mr. Van de Werve ordered his people to await him at the gate of the

dock-yard, and passed on, saluting those whom he met, to the place where

the Portuguese flag indicated the gondola of Lopez de Galle, which was

prepared to receive him. They threw a carpet across the plank upon which

Mary was to step in passing into the gondola. Mary, her father, and

Geronimo entered the boat; the six oars dipped simultaneously into the

water, and, pushed by the strong arms of the Portuguese sailors, the

gondola sped rapidly through the waves. Swift as a fish and light as a

swan, it skimmed the surface of the Scheldt, and made many a turn through

the numerous vessels until it had succeeded in finding an open way down

the river. Then the sailors exerted all their strength, as if to show the

beautiful young girl what they were capable of in their trade. The

gondola, obeying the impulse given it by the oarsmen, bounded forward

under each stroke of the oars, and gracefully poised itself on the waves

caused by its rapid passage.

Complete silence reigned in the gondola; the sailors looked with timid

admiration upon the beautiful countenance of the young girl. Mary, with

downcast eyes, was persuading herself that Geronimo's uncle would

undoubtedly consent to their union. The young man was absorbed in thought,

and yielded by turns to joy, hope, and fear. Mr. Van de Werve contemplated

the city, and seemed to enjoy the magnificent spectacle presented by

Antwerp when seen at a distance, and which, with its lofty towers and

splendid edifices, rose from the river like another Venice.

Suddenly Geronimo rose and pointed in the distance, exclaiming, joyously,

"See, the Il Salvatore!"

Mary, glancing around, eagerly asked: "Where? Is it the vessel bearing a

red cross on its flag?"

"No, Mary, it is behind the ships of war; it is that large vessel with

three masts--on its flag is a picture of the Saviour: Il Salvatore."

While the gondola rapidly sped on its way, the eyes of all were fixed upon

the galley, in order, if possible, to distinguish the features of those

who stood on deck.

Suddenly Geronimo clapped his hands, exclaiming, "God be praised! I see my

uncle."

"Which is he?" inquired Mr. Van de Werve.

The young man replied, joyously: "Do you not see standing on the

forecastle five or six passengers who wear parti-colored dresses, with

plumed hats? In the midst of them is a man of lofty stature, completely

enveloped in a brown cloak. He has long white hair, and his silvery beard

looks like snow-flakes resting on his dark mantle. That is my old uncle,

Signor Deodati."




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024