ye of Jacopo--"Has he been
named to thee by any in authority?"

"He has not--my mission does not lie with fishermen."

"Duty may lead us into still humbler society, young man. They who are
charged with the grievous burden of the state, must not consider the
quality of the load they carry. In what manner hath this Antonio come to
thy knowledge?"

"I have known him as one esteemed by his fellows--a man skilful in his
craft, and long practised in the mystery of the Lagunes."

"He is a defrauder of the revenue, thou would'st be understood to say?"

"I would not. He toils too late and early to have other means of support
than labor."

"Thou knowest, Jacopo, the severity of our laws in matters that concern
the public moneys?"

"I know that the judgment of St. Mark, Signore, is never light when its
own interest is touched."

"Thou art not required to utter opinions beyond the present question.
This man hath a habit of courting the goodwill of his associates, and of
making his voice heard concerning affairs of which none but his
superiors may discreetly judge."

"Signore, he is old, and the tongue grows loose with years."

"This is not the character of Antonio. Nature hath not treated him
unkindly; had his birth and education been equal to his mind, the senate
might have been glad to listen--at it is, I fear he speaks in a sense to
endanger his own interests."

"Surely, if he speaks to offend the ear of St. Mark."

There was a quick suspicious glance from the senator to the Bravo, as if
to read the true meaning of the latter's words. Finding, however, the
same expression of self-possession in the quiet features he scrutinized,
the latter continued as if distrust had not been awakened.

"If, as thou sayest, he so speaks as to injure the Republic, his years
have not brought discretion. I love the man, Jacopo, for it is usual to
regard, with some partiality, those who have drawn nourishment from the
same breast with ourselves."

"Signore, it is."

"And feeling this weakness in his favor, I would have him admonished to
be prudent. Thou art acquainted, doubtless, with his opinions concerning
the recent necessity of the state, to command the services of all the
youths on the Lagunes in her fleets?"

"I know that the press has taken from him the boy who toiled in his
company."

"To toil honorably, and perhaps gainfully, in behalf of the Republic!"

"Signore, perhaps!"

"Thou art brief in thy speech to-night, J