the history of every other
city in Italy, I may say of every other nation in Europe, is one long
record of intestine struggle and bloodshed, while in Venice there has
not been a single popular tumult worthy of the name. It is to the
strength, the firmness, and the moderation of her government that
Venice owes her advancement, the respect in which she is held among
nations, as much as to the commercial industry of her people.

"She alone among nations could for years have withstood the interdict
of the pope, or the misfortunes that have sometimes befallen her. She
alone has never felt the foot of the invader, or bent her neck beneath
a foreign yoke to preserve her existence. Here, save only in matters of
government, all opinions are free, strangers of all nationalities are
welcome. It is a grand city and a grand people, Francis, and though I
shall be glad to return to England I cannot but feel regret at leaving
it.

"And now, my boy, it is time to be going off to your ship. Polani said
she would sail at ten o'clock. It is now nine, and it will take you
half an hour to get there. I am glad to hear that Giuseppi is going
with you. The lad is faithful and attached to you, and may be of
service. Your trunk has already been sent on board, so let us be
going."

On arriving at the ship, which was lying in the port of Malamocco, they
found that she was just ready for sailing. The last bales of goods were
being hoisted on board, and the sailors were preparing to loosen the
sails.

The Bonito was a large vessel, built for stowage rather than speed. She
carried two masts with large square sails, and before the wind would
probably proceed at a fair rate; but the art of sailing close hauled
was then unknown, and in the event of the wind being unfavourable she
would be forced either to anchor or to depend upon her oars, of which
she rowed fifteen on either side. As they mounted on to the deck they
were greeted by Polani himself.

"I have come off to see the last of your son, Messer Hammond, and to
make sure that my orders for his comfort have been carried out.

"Captain Corpadio, this is the young gentleman of whom I have spoken to
you, and who is to be treated in all respects as if he were my son. You
will instruct him in all matters connected with the navigation of the
ship, as well as in the mercantile portion of the business, the best
methods of buying and selling, the prices of goods, and the methods of
payment.

"This