d out of the nineteen galleys of
Pisani, only six were fit to take the sea, with their full complement
of men, when the spring of 1379 began. Many of the vessels had been
disabled by storms. Numbers of the men had died, more had been sent
home invalided, and it was only by transferring the men from the other
vessels to the six in the best condition, that the crews of the latter
were made up to their full strength.

As soon as the terrible frost broke, Pisani received a reinforcement of
twelve ships from Venice, these being, for the most part, built and
equipped at the cost of his personal friends, Polani having contributed
two of the number. With the eighteen sail, Pisani put to sea to
prosecute a fresh search for the Genoese admiral, Doria, and his fleet.

The Pluto was one of the six vessels which remained in good condition
at the end of the winter, thanks, in no small degree, to the energy and
care which Francis had bestowed in looking after the welfare of the
crew. In the most bitter weather, he had himself landed with the boats,
to see that firewood was cut and brought off in abundance, not only for
the officers' cabins, but to warm that portion of the ship inhabited by
the men. Knowing that Polani would not grudge any sum which might be
required, he obtained from his agents ample supplies of warm clothing
and bedding for the men, occupying himself incessantly for their
welfare, while the captain and other officers passed their time in
their warm and comfortable cabins. Francis induced Matteo, and several
of his comrades, to brave the weather as he did, and to exert
themselves for the benefit of the men; and the consequence was, that
while but few of the other ships retained enough men to raise their
sails in case of emergency, the strength of the crew of the Pluto was
scarcely impaired at the termination of the winter.

The admiral, on paying a visit of inspection to the ship, was greatly
struck with the contrast which the appearance of the crew afforded to
that of the other galleys, and warmly complimented the commander on the
condition of his men. The captain received the praise as if it was
entirely due to himself, and said not a single word of the share which
Francis had had in bringing it about. Matteo was most indignant at this
injustice towards his friend, and managed that, through a relative
serving in the admiral's own ship, a true report of the case should
come to Pisani's ears.

Francis was in no wa