would not have these noble ladies know, that
one like Annina is to be their fellow-passenger, while they are near the
port; for they might complain of disrespect. Thou understandest,
Stefano?"

"Cospetto! am I a fool? a blunderer? if so, why does the Senate employ
me? the girl is out of hearing, and there let her stay. As long as the
noble dames are willing to breathe the night air, they shall have none
of her company."

"No fear of them. The dwellers of the land little relish the pent air of
thy cabin. Thou wilt go without the Lido, Stefano, and await my coming.
If thou should'st not see me before the hour of one, bear away for the
port of Ancona, where thou wilt get further tidings."

Stefano, who had often previously received his instructions from the
imaginary Roderigo, nodded assent, and they parted. It is scarcely
necessary to add, that the fugitives had been fully instructed in the
conduct they were to maintain.

The gondola of Jacopo never flew faster, than he now urged it towards
the land. In the constant passage of the boats, the movements of one
were not likely to be remarked; and he found, when he reached the quay
of the square, that his passing and repassing had not been observed. He
boldly unmasked and landed. It was near the hour when he had given Don
Camillo a rendezvous in the piazza, and he walked slowly up the smaller
square, towards the appointed place of meeting.

Jacopo, as has been seen in an earlier chapter, had a practice of
walking near the columns of granite in the first hours of the night. It
was the vulgar impression that he waited there for custom in his bloody
calling, as men of more innocent lives take their stands in places of
mark. When seen on his customary stand, he was avoided by all who were
chary of their character, or scrupulous of appearances.

The persecuted and yet singularly tolerated Bravo, was slowly pacing the
flags on his way to the appointed place, unwilling to anticipate the
moment, when a laquais thrust a paper into his hand, and disappeared as
fast as legs would carry him. It has been seen that Jacopo could not
read, for that was an age when men of his class were studiously kept in
ignorance. He turned to the first passenger who had the appearance of
being likely to satisfy his wishes, and desired him to do the office of
interpreter.

He had addressed an honest shop-keeper of a distant quarter. The man
took the scroll, and good-naturedly commenced reading its