to remain calm and steadfast amidst
dangers of all sorts, and, methinks, it adds not a little to a man's
dignity and self respect to know that he is equal, man to man, to any
with whom he may come in contact. Here in Venice we are all soldiers
and sailors, and your son will make no worse merchant, but rather the
better, for being able to wield sword and dagger.

"Even now," he said with a smile, "he has proved the advantage of his
training; for, though I say it not boastfully, Nicholas Polani has it
in his power to be of some use to his friends, and foremost among them
he will henceforward count your brave son, and, if you will permit him,
yourself.

"But you will, I trust, excuse my paying you but a short visit this
morning, for I am on my way to lay a complaint before the council. I
have already been round to several of my friends, and Phillipo
Giustiniani and some six others, nearest related to me, will go with
me, being all aggrieved at this outrage to a family nearly connected. I
crave you to permit me to take your son with me, in order that he may
be at hand, if called upon, to say what he knows of the affair."

"Assuredly it is his duty to go with you if you desire it; although I
own I am not sorry that he could see, as he tells me, no badge or
cognizance which would enable him to say aught which can lead to the
identification of those who would have abducted your daughter. It is
but too well known a fact that it is dangerous to make enemies in
Venice, for even the most powerful protection does not avail against
the stab of a dagger."

"That is true enough," the merchant said. "The frequency of
assassinations is a disgrace to our city; nor will it ever be put down
until some men of high rank are executed, and the seignory show that
they are as jealous of the lives of private citizens, as they are of
the honour and well being of the republic."

Francis gladly threw aside his books when he was told that Signor
Polani desired him to accompany him, and was soon seated by the side of
the merchant in his gondola.

"How old are you, my friend?" the merchant asked him, as the boat
threaded the mazes of the canals.

"I am just sixteen, signor."

"No more!" the merchant said in surprise. "I had taken you for
well-nigh two years older. I have but just come from the Palazzo
Giustiniani, and my young kinsman, Matteo, tells me that in the School
of Arms there are none of our young nobles who are your match with
rap