nine would be swept
away; but as I see that you are longing to be afloat again, you can, if
you like, join one of the state galleys which start next week to
reinforce Pisani's fleet.

"The last time Pisani wrote to me he said how glad he should be to have
you with him; and after your service at Antium, I have no doubt
whatever that I could procure for you a post as second in command in
one of the ships. What do you say?"

"I should certainly like it, signor, greatly; but, as you said before,
it would be a mere waste of time for me to take service with the state,
when I am determined upon the vocation of a merchant."

"I did say that, Francis, and meant it at the time; but at present
trade is, as you see, at a standstill, so you would not be losing time,
and, in the next place, it is always an advantage, even to a trader, to
stand well with the state. Here in Venice all the great merchants are
of noble family, and trade is no bar to occupying the highest offices
of the state. Many of our doges have been merchants; while merchants
are often soldiers, diplomatists, or governors, as the state requires
their services.

"You have already, you see, obtained considerable benefit by the action
at Antium. I do not say that you would derive any direct benefit, even
were you to distinguish yourself again as highly as on that occasion.
Still, it is always well to gain the consideration of your fellows, and
to be popular with the people. Therefore, if you would like to take
service with the state until this affair is decided with Genoa, and the
seas are again open to our ships, I think it will be advantageous to
you rather than not."

"Then, with your permission I will certainly do so, signor," Francis
said. "Of course I should prefer to go as an officer on board one of
the ships; but if not, I will go as a volunteer."

"You need not fear about that, Francis. With my influence, and that of
the Giustiniani, and the repute you have gained for yourself, you may
be sure of an appointment. Rufino would have commanded one of the ships
had it not been for his marriage."

Rufino Giustiniani had indeed been most warm in his expressions of
gratitude to Francis, to whom the whole family had shown the greatest
attention, giving him many presents as a proof of their goodwill and
gratitude.

"I am quite jealous of your English friend," Rufino had said one day to
Maria. "I do believe, Maria, that you care for him more than you do for
me