hatter of the multitude,
they were led to the front of the bedecked timber stand which they had
seen on the previous night. In the centre of this stand, occupying a
kind of tribune, sat the Doge Dandolo in state, and with him many nobles
and captains, while to right and left the whole length of the course,
for the stand was very long, were packed a countless number of the
best-born men and women in Venice. These, however, were but a tithe of
the spectators, who encircled the Place of Arms in one serried horde
which was kept back by a line of soldiers.

Arriving in front of the Doge's tribune, the pair halted and saluted
him, whereon he and his escort rose and saluted them in turn. Then
another trumpet blew and from a second pavilion at the other end of
the course appeared Cattrina, wearing a splendid suit of white armour,
damascened in gold, with a silver swan upon the helm and a swan painted
on his shield.

"Very fine, isn't it?" said Grey Dick to his master, "only this time
I hope he's inside the steel. Ask to see his face before you fight,
master."

On came Cattrina on a noble black horse, which pawed and caracoled
notwithstanding the heat, while after him strode a gigantic figure
also clad from top to toe in white mail, who fiercely brandished a
long-handled battle-axe.

"Ambrosio!" said Dick. "Now I ought to feel as much afraid as though
that fellow wore a yellow cap and fur cape and pearls like another
warrior whom we met last night. Yet, to speak the truth, I believe he
has the fainter heart of the two. Also if he swings that chopper about
so much he'll grow tired."

To the multitude, however, the gallant appearance of this pair, whom
they looked on as the champions of Venice against foreigners, appealed
not a little. Amidst clapping of hands and "_evvivas!_" they advanced
to the Doge's tribune and there made their salutations, which the
Illustrious acknowledged as he had those of the Englishmen.

Then the heralds intervened and again all the articles of combat were
read and translated, although to these, of which they were weary,
Hugh and Dick listened little. Next they were asked if they had any
objections to make and with one voice answered, "None." But on the same
question being put to their adversaries, the Swiss, Ambrosio, said that
he with whom he must fight appeared to be armed with a bow, which was
against the articles. Thereon Dick handed the bow and quiver to David,
bidding him guard them until