d, as they swept by the groves of poplar and catalpa, which bordered
the broad flood, to the sound of the waters only and the song of the
birds in the wood; water-lilies floated in the pools along the shore;
currents of fragrance were blown out to them on wandering winds; and in
the felze, as they were nearing Brondolo, Marina and the Lady Beata,
soothed by the gliding motion and the monotonous plash of the oars into
the needed sleep which the night had failed to bring them, were unaware
of the colloquy between Piero and his gondolier.

"Antonio!" Piero called cautiously to the man who was rowing behind the
felze, "I have somewhat to say to thee; are there those within thy
vision who may hear our speech?"

"Padrone, no; but the time is short for speaking much, for we reach the
lock with another turn of the Brenta."

"May the blessed San Nicolo send sunshine to dazzle the jewels in the
eyes of Messer San Marco till we are safe beyond it and out of
Chioggia!" Piero exclaimed fervently. "And thou, Antonio, swear me again
thy faith--or swear it not, as thou wilt. But thou shalt choose this
moment whom thou wilt serve; and it shall go ill with thee if thou keep
not thy troth."

"By San Marco and San Teodoro," Antonio responded readily, crossing
himself devoutly as he spoke, "I swear to do thy bidding, Messer
Gastaldo."

"And thou wilt die for the people against the nobles if need should be?"

"If thou leadest, Gastaldo Grande."

"Hast thou a pouch beneath thy stiletto where thou mayest defend with
thy life what I shall give thee?"

Antonio displayed it silently.

"This for the need of the cause in thy hand," said Piero, passing him a
purse of gold. "But gold is worthless to this token which shall win thee
the hearing of the bancali, and the aid of every loyal son of San
Nicolo, and shall be proof that thou bearest my orders and my trust."

The trust was great--the bancali were the governing board of the
traghetti.

Antonio unfastened his doublet and secured the precious token under his
belt.

"Command then, caro padrone."

"Slacken thy pace, for this may be our last speech together. Are those
who follow true as thou?"

"Messer Gastaldo," Antonio answered with reluctance, "by signs which be
but trifles to relate,--by a word dropped in Padua, and not for mine
ear,--one of them--I know not which--hath, perchance, affair with a
master mightier than thou." He made the usual gesture which indicated
the Three of