e them again, any of the
assailants?"

"I should not," Francis said. "They were all masked."

"You say you struck down the one who appeared to be their leader with
an oar, as he was about to leap into your boat. How was it the oar was
in your hand instead of that of your gondolier?"

"I was myself rowing," Francis said. "In London, rowing is an amusement
of which boys of all classes are fond, and since I have been out here
with my father I have learned to row a gondola; and sometimes, when I
am out of an evening, I take an oar as well as my gondolier, enjoying
the exercise and the speed at which the boat goes along. I was not
rowing when the signora's boat passed me, but upon hearing the screams,
I stood up and took the second oar, to arrive as quickly as possible at
the spot. That was how it was that I had it in my hand, when the man
was about to leap into the boat."

"Then there is nothing at all, so far as you know, to direct your
suspicion against anyone as the author of this attack?"

"There was nothing," Francis said, "either in the gondola itself, or in
the attire or persons of those concerned in the fray, which could give
me the slightest clue as to their identity."

"At any rate, young gentleman," the doge said, "you appear to have
behaved with a promptness, presence of mind, and courage--for it needs
courage to interfere in a fray of this sort--beyond your years; and, in
the name of the republic, I thank you for having prevented the
commission of a grievous crime. You will please to remain here for the
present. It may be that, when the person accused of this crime appears
before us, you may be able to recognize his figure."

It was with mixed feelings that Francis heard, a minute or two later,
the usher announce that Signor Ruggiero Mocenigo was without, awaiting
the pleasure of their excellencies.

"Let him enter," the doge said.

The curtains fell back, and Ruggiero Mocenigo entered with a haughty
air. He bowed to the council, and stood as if expecting to be
questioned.

"You are charged, Ruggiero Mocenigo," the doge said, "with being
concerned in an attempt to carry off the daughters of Signor Polani,
and of taking part in the killing of three servitors of that
gentleman."

"On what grounds am I accused?" Ruggiero said haughtily.

"On the ground that you are a rejected suitor for the elder lady's
hand, and that you had uttered threats against her father, who, so far
as he knows, has no other