The Senator Soranzo put this question, in perfect good faith, to the unknown member of the secret council.  The latter appeared struck with the probability of the truth of his companion’s conjecture, but contented himself with a simple acknowledgment to that effect, by bowing.

“Jacopo!  Jacopo!” hoarsely repeated voice after voice in the crowd—­“Jacopo has done this!  The best gondolier in Venice has been beaten by an old fisherman, and nothing but blood could wipe out the disgrace!”

“It shall be inquired into, my children, and strict justice done,” said the Doge, preparing to depart.  “Officers, give money for masses, that the soul of the unhappy man be not the sufferer.  Reverend Carmelite, I commend the body to thy care, and thou canst do no better service than to pass the night in prayer by its side.”

A thousand caps were waved in commendation of this gracious command, and the whole throng stood in silent respect, as the prince, followed by his retinue, retired as he had approached, through the long, vaulted gallery above.

A secret order of the Inquisition prevented the appearance of the Dalmatians.

A few minutes later and all was prepared.  A bier and canopy were brought out of the adjoining cathedral, and the corpse was placed upon the former.  Father Anselmo then headed the procession, which passed through the principal gate of the palace into the square, chanting the usual service.  The Piazzetta and the piazza were still empty.  Here and there, indeed, a curious face, belonging to some agent of the police, or to some observer more firm than common, looked out from beneath the arches of the porticoes on the movements of the mob, though none ventured to come within its influence.

But the fishermen were no longer bent on violence.  With the fickleness of men little influenced by reflection, and subject to sudden and violent emotions, a temperament which, the effect of a selfish system, is commonly tortured into the reason why it should never be improved, they had abandoned all idea of revenge on the agents of the police, and had turned their thoughts to the religious services, which, being commanded by the prince himself, were so flattering to their class.

It is true that a few of the sterner natures among them mingled menaces against the Bravo with their prayers for the dead, but these had no other effect on the matter in hand, than is commonly produced by the by-players on the principal action of the piece.

The great portal of the venerable church was thrown open, and the solemn chant was heard issuing, in responses, from among the quaint columns and vaulted roofs within.  The body of the lowly and sacrificed Antonio was borne beneath that arch which sustains the precious relics of Grecian art, and deposited in the nave.  Candles glimmered before the altar and around the ghastly person of the dead, throughout the night; and the cathedral of St. Mark was pregnant with all the imposing ceremonials of the Catholic ritual, until the day once more appeared.