here, raze the city to
the ground, and scatter us over the face of the earth? No. When it
comes to a question of ordinary command, of course I should go with my
family; but when Venice is in danger, and only one man can save her, I
should vote for him, whoever the other may be."

Polani had also exerted the great influence he possessed among the
commercial classes, and had aided the efforts of Francis, by giving
leave to the sailors of all his ships in port to go on shore. A few
hours after Pisani's release the merchant, accompanied by Francis,
called upon him.

"Welcome, my friends," he said heartily.

"Well, you see, Messer Hammond, that I was a true prophet, and that I
have had my share of the dungeon. However, we need not talk of that
now. I am up to my eyes in business."

"I have no doubt of that, admiral," Polani said. "I have called to
offer every ship I have in the harbour, for the defence of the city. I
myself will continue to pay their crews, as at present. Use the vessels
as you like. Make fire ships of them if you will. I can afford the
loss."

"Thanks, my friend," the admiral said. "We shall find a use for them,
never fear.

"As for you, Messer Hammond, even in my prison I heard of your gallant
feat, in recapturing the Pluto and three other ships from the Genoese,
and thus retrieving, to some extent, the losses of Pola. I hope to wipe
off the rest of the score before long. I shall find a command for you,
in a day or two. Age and rank go for nothing now. I am going to put the
best men in the best position.

"I have just appointed that old rascal, Corbaro, vice admiral of the
Lido. He is a grumbling old scoundrel, and would have had me get up a
revolution today, for which I had to knock him down; but he is one of
the best sailors Venice ever turned out, and just the man for the
place."

"I would rather act as a general aide-de-camp to you, admiral, than
have a separate command, if you will allow me," Francis said. "I am
still too young to command, and should be thwarted by rivalry and
jealousies. I would, therefore, far rather act under your immediate
orders, if you will allow me."

"So be it, then, lad. Come to me tomorrow, and I have no doubt I shall
have plenty for you to do. At present, I cannot say what course I may
adopt, for in truth, I don't know what position I shall hold. The
people do not seem content with my having only the government of Lido;
but for myself, I care nothing whether I