ank.

"Antonio," he said, "thy disposition and boldness are not strangers to
me; if thou would'st have masses for the dead, or gold for the living,
they are thine; but in asking for my interest with the general of the
galleys, thou askest that which, at a moment so critical, could not be
yielded to the son of the Doge, were the Doge--"

"A fisherman," continued Antonio, observing that he hesitated--"Signore,
adieu; I would not part in anger with my foster-brother, and I pray the
saints to bless you and your house. May you never know the grief of
losing a child by a fate far worse than death--that of destruction by
vice."

As Antonio ceased, he made his reverence and departed by the way he had
entered. He retired unnoticed, for the senator averted his eyes with a
secret consciousness of the force of what the other in his simplicity
had uttered; and it was some time before the latter knew he was alone.
Another step, however, soon diverted his attention. The door re-opened,
and a menial appeared. He announced that one without sought a private
audience.

"Let him enter," answered the ready senator, smoothing his features to
the customary cautious and distrustful expression.

The servant withdrew, when one masked and wearing a cloak quickly
entered the room. When the latter instrument of disguise was thrown upon
an arm, and the visor was removed, the form and face of the dreaded
Jacopo became visible.

CHAPTER VI.

"Caesar himself has work, and our oppression
Exceeds what we expected."
SHAKSPEARE.

"Didst thou note him that left me?" eagerly demanded the Signer
Gradenigo.

"I did."

"Enough so to recognise form and countenance?"

"'Twas a fisherman of the Lagunes, named Antonio."

The senator dropped the extended limb, and regarded the Bravo with a
look in which surprise and admiration were equally blended. He resumed
his course up and down the room, while his companion stood waiting his
pleasure in an attitude so calm as to be dignified. A few minutes were
wasted in this abstraction.

"Thou art quick of sight, Jacopo!" continued the patrician, breaking the
pause--"Hast thou had dealings with the man?"

"Never."

"Thou art certain it is--"

"Your eccellenza's foster-brother."

"I did not inquire into thy knowledge of his infancy and origin, but of
his present state," returned the Signor Gradenigo, turning away to
conceal his countenance from the glowing e