leys?"

"I landed on this side of Pelestrina, and had the gondola carried
across, and launched in the channel inside their cordon; and it was not
until we entered the last passage--that by Brondolo--that we were
noticed. Then there was a sharp chase for a bit, but we outstripped
them, and got safely across to Pelestrina. One of the galleys, in the
excitement of the chase, ran fast into the mud; and Matteo, with some
of his men, waded out and captured the officer and crew. So there is
every prospect of our succeeding tomorrow."

"All that is good," Polani said; "but to me, just at present, I own
that the principal thing is that you have got safely back. Now I will
not keep you from your bed, for I suppose that you will not be able to
lie late in the morning."

Francis certainly did not intend to do so, but the sun was high before
he woke. He hurriedly dressed, and went downstairs.

"I have seen the admiral," Polani said as he entered, "and told him
that you were sound asleep, and I did not intend to wake you, for that
you were looking worn and knocked up. He said: 'Quite right! The lad is
so willing and active, that I forget sometimes that he is not an old
sea dog like myself, accustomed to sleep with one eye open, and to go
without sleep altogether for days if necessary.' So you need not hurry
over your breakfast. The girls are dying to hear your adventures."

As he took his breakfast, Francis gave the girls an account of his
expedition.

"And so, you saw Rufino!" Maria said. "Did he inquire after me? You
told him, I hope, that I was fading away rapidly from grief at his
absence."

"I did not venture upon so flagrant an untruth as that," Francis
replied.

"Is he very uncomfortable?"

"Not very, signora. He has a good tent, some excellent wine, an
allowance of bread, which might be larger, and occasionally fish. As he
has also the gift of excellent spirits, I do not think he is greatly to
be pitied--except, of course, for his absence from you."

"That, of course," Maria said. "When he does come here, he always tells
me a moving tale of his privations, in hopes of exciting pity; but,
unfortunately, I cannot help laughing at his tales of hardship. But we
were really anxious about you last night, Francisco, and very thankful
when we heard you had returned.

"Weren't we, Giulia?"

Giulia nodded.

"Giulia hasn't much to say when you are here, Francisco, but she can
chatter about you fast enough when we are a