a numerous family;
that, in the third, if Casanova perished the money would be lost; and
that, in the fourth, he had no money.

"My reply," writes Casanova, "lasted half an hour."

"Let me remind you," he said in concluding his exhortation, "of your
promise to pray for us, and let me ask you what sense there can be
in praying for the success of an enterprise to which you refuse to
contribute the most necessary means."

The old man was so far conquered by Casanova's eloquence that he offered
him two sequins, which Casanova accepted, since he was not in case to
refuse anything.

Thereafter, as they sat waiting for the moon to set, Casanova found his
earlier estimate of the monk's character confirmed. Balbi now broke into
abusive reproaches. He found that Casanova had acted in bad faith
by assuring him that he had formed a complete plan of escape. Had he
suspected that this was a mere gambler's throw on Casanova's part, he
would never have laboured to get him out of his cell. The Count added
his advice that they should abandon an attempt foredoomed to failure,
and, being concerned for the two sequins with which he had so
reluctantly parted, he argued the case at great length. Stifling his
disgust, Casanova assured them that, although it was impossible for him
to afford them details of how he intended to proceed, he was perfectly
confident of success.

At half-past ten he sent Soradici--who had remained silent
throughout--to report upon the night. The spy brought word that in
another hour or so the moon would have set, but that a thick mist was
rising, which must render the leads very dangerous.

"So long as the mist isn't made of oil, I am content," said Casanova.
"Come, make a bundle of your cloak. It is time we were moving."

But at this Soradici fell on his knees in the dark, seized Casanova's
hands, and begged to be left behind to pray for their safety, since he
would be sure to meet his death if he attempted to go with them.

Casanova assented readily, delighted to be rid of the fellow. Then in
the dark he wrote as best he could a quite characteristic letter to the
Inquisitors of State, in which he took his leave of them, telling them
that since he had been fetched into the prison without his wishes
being consulted, they could not complain that he should depart without
consulting theirs.

The bundle containing Balbi's clothes, and another made up of half the
rope, he slung from the monk's neck, thereafter d