small by-streets leading from the Rialto.

As the last one disappeared, life once more animated the crowd. All
breathed more freely when relieved from their much-feared presence, and
soon they commenced talking again of Cicernachi's new saint.

"You see," whispered Montardo to the stranger, "that our government is
neutral. It will not punish neither the Prussiani nor the Teresiani;
only warns us not to carry our zeal too far, and reminds us that it is
against the law to carry a dagger or a knife in the streets. But now let
us enter the shop, and I will introduce you to Cicernachi."

He took the stranger's arm, and entered the shop, where a tall, slim man
met him. His long black hair hung in wild disorder on both sides of his
expressive countenance, his eyes sparkled with fire, and on his full red
lip there was a proud, triumphant smile.

"Well, Montardo," said he, "you come undoubtedly to congratulate me on
this victory over these miserable Teresiani."

"Certainly, sir." cried Montardo, laughingly, "it was a most original
idea."

"Do you know why I have done it?" said Cicernachi, "yesterday the
Teresiani placed before their restaurants the bull of Pope Clement
XI., which has just been confirmed and renewed by Clement XIII. It was
printed on white satin, and enclosed in a beautiful gilt frame, and
underneath it burnt a sacred lamp."

"What are the contents of this bull?" said Montardo.

"I will tell you the beginning." said Cicernachi, "I do not recollect
all. It sounded thus: 'You have long known that Frederick, margrave
of Brandenburg, in contempt for the authority of the Church, took to
himself the name and insignia of king, a profane and unheard of act
among Christians. He has thus unwisely enough become one of those of
whom it is said in the Bible, 'They reigned, but not through Me; they
were princes, but I did not know them.' Do you conceive now why I placed
the king's picture before my store? why I burnt a lamp beneath it? I
think this glorious portrait is more deserving of a sacred lamp than the
Pope's nonsensical bull."

"You are right, signor," said the stranger, advancing to Cicernachi and
shaking hands with him. "Permit me to thank you in the name of my great
and noble king whom you have this day defended in so original a manner
from the malicious charges of his enemies. I give you my word of honor
that the king shall hear of it through me; I know it will rejoice him."

"Ah, signor," said Montard